I'm in it now - Front wheel bearing/hub replacement

The trick would be to get knuckles from a southern car, something out of the salt belt.. then be sure to use some anti sieze on the bore and outside of the bearing assembly before the new bearings go in. With time you could just take them to a shop with a big press and press the bearings out of your old hubs.

 

I purchased ones from the West Coast. I'm hoping they aren't rusted. But if the hubs fail to come out when the bolts are removed, I have the ability to take my time and take them to a machine shop. Below are links to the Knuckle Assemblies I purchased.

04 05 06 07 08 09 Prius Driver Knuckle Assy 43202 47010 | eBay

04 05 06 07 08 09 Prius Passenger Knuckle Assy 43201 47010 | eBay

 

I received the knuckle assemblies purchased on eBay. They were as described. However, I couldn't get the hubs / bearings out so I took them to an automotive machine shop. They were able to successfully remove the bearings but nicked up the aluminum knuckles in the process. The machine shop said the knuckles were OK to reuse, but I'd rather not. Looks like I'm out $194 for the eBay purchase and $41.23 for the press work. A waste of $$ but after I complete the job, it will still have been cheaper than going to the stealership. Lesson learned, buy new knuckles for $170 each if you've already purchased new Hubs / Bearings, Lower Ball Joints, Dust Covers, and Outer Tie Rod Ends.

 

How about posting photos of the knuckles, I would like to see the damage you are concerned about.

 

scratches and dings on the knuckles won't matter. if they bent or gouged them really bad, that would be a problem.

 

The Right Hand Knuckle is fine with no issues, it's the Left one I am worried about. I figured it would be best just to purchase two new knuckles than to have one new and one used on the car.

 

Yeah they butchered that one. I'm not very fussy but the flatness of the mounting surface is rather critical. Looks like it was REALLY mashed up then they used a flap disk on it. Fail. Good decision on your part. Looks like they used a cold chisel more than a press.

 

If you remove anything except the bearing from the knuckle, just like you did, you should be able to heat it to 100...200c 200…400F and bearing should basically fall off. Aluminum knuckle will expand a lot more than steel bearing.

 

Are you saying you could just put that in your oven and "bake" it apart?

Goodonya, OP, for taking on this adventure. Good luck with it.

 

Yeah that should work, we remove pressed in cast iron liners from aluminum motorcycle cylinders that way, they literally fall out.

 

I agree with the OP's choice as well. Good luck with the reassembly.

 

it will make your oven stink from cooking the grease.
reuse the knuckle they didn't butcher. sell the butchered one for scrap. I'd have been pissed if a machine shop ruined my parts.

 

My kitchen usually stinks anyway.

That reminds me...it's dinnertime.

{What's that, dear? Nothing...just playing on the internet.}

 

Here's what $1,065 in OEM Prius parts looks like. I placed 4 separate orders with Metro Toyota. Ordering all the parts at one time would have slightly reduced the price. Now I'm waiting on a Monday with warm weather in order to complete the job.

 

Fully assembled and ready to go. I couldn't get the bearing dust covers on to save my life. So I took the knuckles to a local auto shop and they pressed them in for free. I'm going to attempt the removal and replacement on Monday, weather permitting.

 

I replaced both knuckles today. The job went fairly smooth. The Right Hand Speed Sensor bolt broke when I was loosening it, so I had to temporarily secure the sensor with electrical tape until the new bolt arrives tomorrow. The ABS and VSC lights are on. I'm hoping it's because of the loose speed sensor. Will find out tomorrow. I didn't replace the Outer Tie Rod Ends because I couldn't get them loose. Here's a few pics I took.

 

FYI: I followed Paul's advice on this thread to reset the ABS and VSC lights.

How do you reset ABS light & yellow ((!)) ? | PriusChat

 

Looking good, so now that you accomplished that project, when are you going to replace the front struts?

 

Patrick, LOL! I really want to, I just don't have the funds or time to do so. Maybe later this summer if I still have this car. I just bought a 2009 Prius with 30K miles on it. I've turned my 2006 Prius into my business car, but may sell it. Still unsure.

 

The speed sensor bolts arrived today. I installed them, cleared the ABS VSC lights and all is good. My recommendation to anyone attempting a wheel bearing replacement is to proactively order these bolts and have them on hand when you do the job. Part # 90080-11357. Qty 2 of them will set you back $1.78 total at your local Toyota Dealership. The bolts took 4 days to arrive. Below is a pic of the old speed sensor bolts.