Worn Wheel Bearing and Speed Sensor Replacement

First I would seek a second opinion from either another dealer or some respected mechanic. Unless you already have 300k or more miles or you have been towing a heavy trailer with your 2012 Prius v, it's hard to believe. Maybe some brake noise?

The speed sensor would be throwing codes, so if your check engine or ABS light was coming on, that might be bad.

 

The difference is one is Genuine Toyota Branded and the other is after market Chinese part. I have had no problem with the cheaper ones in regards to hubs and bearings. But that is me...

 

I had a speed sensor go bad and it produced codes and lights. In my case it was some kind of contamination on the sensor and had nothing to do with the wheel bearings.

 

Here's a link to my earlier post about speed sensor issues on my 2012 v:
Foreign Object on Wheel Speed Sensor Questions | PriusChat

Another one on an earlier Prius design (Gen 2):
Bad Speed Sensor | PriusChat

 

Dragging brakes can cause noise all the time. I realize the dealer's are usually right but it sounds like they are charging a lot if you can save $300 at a wheel place. And a bad speed sensor would be throwing codes, but it might have to be replaced anyway if the wheel bearing is changed. That part I don't know. But if I am spending a bunch of money, I check with someone else first.

 

Another tip: Put your city in the profile. Someone might recommend a shop in your area.
Mechanics Files Search Results | Car Talk

 

I suspect the main reason they said "wheel bearing and speed sensor" is that's the way the assembly comes, for the rear at least. (I know this is true for my Gen 1, I merely assume it's the same for a v.) So, not necessarily that your speed sensor is bad, there's just no compelling reason to try to pull it off your old bearing without damaging it, and reuse it.

I had one rear bearing go at 160,000ish IIRC, and one front about 50k later.

-Chap

 

I had a wheel bearing go at around 160k on our Gen2. They had to swap in the assembly because the current one had been so rusted together. Do consider that if you live somewhere with a lot of salt use during the winter, parts will be siezed together.

Also, it might just be cheaper to replace the wheel bearing if its otherwise going to cost you however many hours of mechanic time at 120/hr to repack and reuse compared to a $200 part.

 

You still haven't said if you're talking about a front or rear bearing.

I've just checked, and just like my Gen 1, your rear bearing assembly 42450-47050 includes the speed sensor. The sensor is installed to the hub assembly at the factory with a press. My manual actually does describe how you could try to remove it, if you had to, using a bearing splitter or similar tool, and try not to damage it in the process, but "be careful and don't damage it" is easier said than done ... not to mention there's no point because the new assembly already has a new sensor.

Front is a different story, that sensor is separate.

-Chap

 

Yes, new rear bearing comes with the speed sensor installed already. Front bearing the speed sensor is separate


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Oop ... so you did. Sorry!

Hmm, curious what that is really? (brief googling not shown) aha ... it's the wire to the speed sensor. Not sure why you would replace that, unless it was actually damaged/mouse-chewed/whatever.

Btw, the parts illustration does show the speed sensor clearly on the back of the bearing ... but of course it's only "clear" if you know that's what the speed sensor looks like. It doesn't have wires hanging off, because the small protuberance back there is instead the connector where the wires plug in.

Yes, auto parts markups are traditionally rather high, I don't think 100% is uncommon at the final step (what you pay, over what the dealer or shop paid the distributor/wholesaler, and don't forget the distributor isn't hurting any in the deal either). The dealers who sell online (like Village, in the link I gave) are usually knocking 20 or 25% off list price and obviously still having no trouble keeping the lights on. And when comparing prices, don't forget you pay them shipping, which your local dealer doesn't usually charge you.

I sometimes order things from Village or Metro (and get the bigger discount, but pay shipping) and sometimes, for convenience, from the local dealer. I think they realize I have that choice now; they tend to work in a small discount too, not as big as the online ones, but with not paying shipping it seems to be roughly comparable.

-Chap

 

Aren't u still covered under warranty?


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