RX 300 front wheel bearings

[plastic orange]

I replaced a front wheel bearing (O/S)around 3 years ago and it's done about 12,000 miles since. Unfortunately, wheel bearing noise has returned, and from the drivers seat it appears to be that one again, but I'm not sure. It also sounds noisy from passenger side, but not quite as much as driver's side. I left it with my usual repairer and he said he can't tell either and didn't want to do the wrong one. It would make sense that I should replace the opposite to what was done previously, but it certainly sounds like the O/S again. This was replaced with quality bearings, but nowadays, everything is of poorer quality so I'm in a quandary. it doesn't help that the wheel can't be spun to listen for bearing roughness as car is 4wd. There is no wear discernible ether side when car jacked up. Any ideas?

 

Pete

[m4rkw]

Does the noise lessen if you sway the car in a particular direction? If so it usually indicates the alternate side is bad. Eg swing right, if the noise lessens then the left one is probably bad.

Failing that being conclusive I guess your options are either take a gamble, bite the bullet and do both, or take the car to a garage that has better diagnostic tools like remote microphones in order to accurately diagnose the problem.

[plastic orange]

I've tried all the usual things, so I'll be taking a punt at the side that was replaced 3 years ago as it sounds noisiest from there. If I'm wrong then so be it. It's starting to get annoying now even though it's my wife's car.

 

Pete

[m4rkw]

Good luck

[welland]

Is there no detectable play in either bearing when the weight is off the wheel?

[plastic orange]

No play in any bearing, but I think I've pinned it down to the replaced bearing - sods law,

 

cheers,

 

Pete

[plastic orange]

Ah well, replaced the wrong one, so will do the other side now. Everyone agreed with me that it was the offside, but just goes to show how difficult it is to pinpoint bearing noise.

 

Pete

[Texas]

That'll be the " Law of Sod " bound to be the other one when you gotta choice of two and apply some sort of logic!

paul m

[plastic orange]

Very true,

 

Pete