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Wheel bearings, round 2

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Classic_pri, Dec 19, 2022.

  1. Classic_pri

    Classic_pri Former 2001 Prius 0wner

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    We had the front wheel bearings replaced on our 2007 Touring at about 70,000 miles. Now at 148k miles, both bearings were due for replacement again.
    Has anyone had a similar experience? I had hoped the 70K replacements would have lasted longer than the originals.
     
    #1 Classic_pri, Dec 19, 2022
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    both bearings were due for replacement again.

    What metric are you using to determine "due for replacement"?

    I have a handful of 200k+ mile Gen 2s that have original wheel bearings.
    Is this a weather-related issue due to being in Wisconsin?
     
    #2 TMR-JWAP, Dec 19, 2022
    douglasjre likes this.
  3. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I see occasional wheel bearing failures on Toyotas (nowhere near what I see on Subarus). I would think your concerns are likely due to climate, road conditions, salt use etc.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 mr_guy_mann, Dec 19, 2022
  4. Classic_pri

    Classic_pri Former 2001 Prius 0wner

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    The metric was loud scraping noises dependent on steering angle this time around. The first time the sound was less dramatic, more of a growl, again dependent on steering angle. The first time they failed I pulled the right brake caliper and saw visible lateral play in the hub assembly.

    I had the work diagnosed and done both times at a reliable tire-wheel-suspension shop I've been using for 20+ years. At first I thought the issue might be rusty brake rotors or a failed dust shield this time, so I installed some new rotors (they were pretty ugly) and pads, The parts cannon approach didn't make the noise go away, so I took it in for the bearing job. I trust the guys enough to believe them when they told me both sides were failing. It's my wife's car, so I want it fixed right the first time.

    And yes, I suspect the Wisconsin weather is hard on bearings. The car is garaged, but it sees its share of snow and salt in the winter.
     
    #4 Classic_pri, Dec 19, 2022
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Do you run Toyota recommended tire pressures, or near to them? Not pointing fingers, just speculating, that significantly higher pressures could increase shocks to the bearings, acclerate wear.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Dec 19, 2022
  6. Classic_pri

    Classic_pri Former 2001 Prius 0wner

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    ~32 PSI. It's my wife's car, so I usually check tire pressure when she tells me the inflation warning is lit.

    It probably goes without saying, but up here the rural roads are pretty crappy. And the car does see a lot of rural highway miles.
     
    #6 Classic_pri, Dec 19, 2022
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  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I can relate to @mr_guy_mann's experience with Subaru wheel bearings. I had a pair of outbacks that ate a few over the years.

    Of note, many of the replacement bearings just did not last as long as the original ones. Good brands and pedigrees etc, but the numbers didn't lie, just not as long of a run out of them.

    Not shocked to hear of a similar situation in a Toyota.
     
    #7 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Dec 19, 2022
  8. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Yes I'm still on my original set in the '09 right at 300K and no real noises but the strut upper bearing plates and everything else are loud as all get out so I like to do the bearings the struts top plates and all that at one time so maybe this spring just changing for the heck of it the bearings that is probably use a middle of the road set maybe the same manufacturer that Toyota uses just doesn't have to be bought from Toyota I'm not sure what they are but I'll find out.
     
    #8 Tombukt2, Dec 19, 2022
  9. Classic_pri

    Classic_pri Former 2001 Prius 0wner

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    I replaced the shocks/struts all around at about 130K. I used Moog Quick Struts because one of the rear springs had broken and I didn't want to take a chance on the others. The Quick Struts have held up nicely so far.
     
    #9 Classic_pri, Dec 20, 2022
  10. MCCOHENS

    MCCOHENS Member

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    Do they use toyota parts?
     
    #10 MCCOHENS, Dec 20, 2022
  11. Classic_pri

    Classic_pri Former 2001 Prius 0wner

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    Eh, didn't ask, but I doubt it. Since the factory originals lasted only ~70K miles, that doesn't bother me. From past experience, they like Moog components.
     
    #11 Classic_pri, Dec 20, 2022
  12. FazilHussein

    FazilHussein Member

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    Factory set went @ 140k km (87k miles); replaced right side with Moog ($200) and left side with Beck Arnley ($100)....wanted to see if the Moog parts were worth 2x. Left side (Beck) had to be replaced @ 320k km (199k miles), right side (Moog) a year later @ 340k km (211k miles); so, not worth 2x but definitely better quality. Went with Koyo on both sides this time ($175 a side)....no issues @ 374k km (232k miles).
     
    #12 FazilHussein, Dec 24, 2022
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