Post bearing axle repair roaring....

I began to hear strong roaring from the front driver side of my 07 Prius. I assumed it was the bearing so I replaced it. When I replaced it, I found the opening that the bearing assembly, as well as the old bearing assembly had rust and what looked like calcium built up. I replaced the old bearing assembly, but cleaned the inside of the old housing prior to bolting the assembly to the housing. All torqued to spec, and replaced. The noise was somewhat lessened, but could still hear a more faint roar, and then could hear the turns of the axle as I turned a particular direction. I removed the assembly again, drained the transmission, replaced the axle, re-filled transmission and re-installed. A little better, but not much. Is it possible that the assembly that holds the bearing is worn enough that it is impossible for the bearing to seat properly, despite the recommended torque and is "magnifying" the sound of all the moving parts around it?

I am at the end of my chase and just wondered if anyone had a similar issue.

Thanks!

Tim in nashville

 

I am thinking of pulling it off again and seeing if I need to try to press it in further. I torqued the bolts very tight, I'm sure over 80 ft lbs assuming that would seat it properly. I did not press it when I re-assembled it, just pushed it in, then bolted it. The other option would be to buy the entire housing that the bearing assembly fits into but it looks like it's a dealer only part. I am wondering if I take it back off, then leave the bolts in, and attempt to press further, if the bolts then show any space between then head and the surface, then it was not properly seated in the first place. Just thinking of all possibilities before taking it off again.

 

I have no idea where to find a salvage Prius that can be picked. I use pull a part and pick a part for my other hobby cars, but the cut-off for these yards seems to be about 10 years old or older. I spent a lot of time in Detroit in the winter with this car which is probably why the corrosion is so bad inside the hub.

 

I replaced the entire assembly as pictured below. It is the housing that this assembly fits into that I had to wire brush. It is the assembly that also attaches to the lower control arm, the steering arm, and the strut mount. the opening that the bearing assembly goes into was very corroded, and their is a circular "notch" inside the diameter. I can't find that housing online, but am hoping if I remove the entire hub, and attempt to press it further in, I will discover that since I didn't press it in originally, and solely hoped the torqueing of the bolts would snug it sufficiently, that I should have pressed it in the first place. Any experience would be appreciated.

 

what was replaced new

 

So the roaring I hear will NOT come from a fully seated bearing housing, but could come from the axle nut not being fully torqued. I will check again as it is around 150 ft. lbs. I always worry when that side of the car is in the air and the only thing holding the axle still is the transmission. Always afraid I will break a gear internally. I guess I can check the torque again with the car on the ground. I also swapped the rear tire out with the front. There is no doubt this noise is coming from the driver side. As a final note, is there any problem torquing the axle nut while the car is on the ground?

 

yes it does. What I saw was definitely the result of salt corrosion. I am very doubtful that the bearing is not seated correctly, but feel the torque on the axle could definitely be the culprit. I will keep you posted. BTW-does anyone know the exact torque for the axle bearing...I was thinking 154 or something.

 

perfect! Thanks.

 

Well, I haven't posted in a while because of frustration of the continuing issue...I mean...how hard can it be to properly replace a bearing??? Everything is torqued properly but here is the result- basic growling noise is not gone. however, there is a decided rhythmic "womp" as I drive. It is the sound that tyipically would come from the axle, but the noise seems to be centered around the bearing. I am still trying to diagnose as this is my second new bearing, and the axle is new as well. I am guessing the following- 1) First mistake was assuming that snugging the bolts was sufficient to seat the bearing. 2) not having enough torque on the axle end nut allowed a slight bit of play between the axle and bearing, hence quickly wearing the bearing so when I tightened the end nut to the correct torque the damage was already done. So, the two user errors I am guessing are not pressing the bearing prior to snugging bolts, and not adequately torqueing the axle end nut. If anyone sees any flaws in this logic I would really appreciate the input before I start all over! Thanks