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Posted (edited)

Hi Gents,

My wife recently reported a noise coming from the "tyres" as she put it. Typical me, I said I'd look at it later. Later became a few days, then a week. 

When I finally got around to it, I just checked the tyre pressure and topped off as required. I didn't road test it at this stage as I believed the problem would alleviate itself thinking it was only a tyre related issue.

How wrong I was.....

Well the next day, she told me that the noise is still there, so I took it for a drive and to my astonishment, there was a subtle groaning sound coming from the front end. I'm thinking WTF is that ???
I kept driving around the area for a bit, not able to put my finger on it. 
I'm thinking, could it be CV related or front hub related ? The noise didn't change all that much during cornering so it had me baffled.

At this stage being unsure, the common theme that goes with this type of noise is usually front hub bearings. So as soon as I pulled into the driveway, it was jacked up and front wheels off looking for anything obvious.

I spun the wheels and I couldn't hear anything, How could you anyway right ? While I was in there I took the opportunity to check the brakes. Perhaps one caliper got stuck and a pad was touching metal to metal ? NOPE..
I pulled the pads out and gave the calipers a clean and re grease. Pads are still quite thick, probably 70%, so not a brake issue for sure.

So with this I jumped onto YouTube and started my YouTube University course.
I have a strong suspicion that one of the front bearings is starting to go out. Not having armed myself with the proper diagnostic methods during the time I had the wheels off, I didn't know how I was going to get to the bottom of it until I saw The Car Care Nut's method. It was to spin the wheel with one hand on the spring. If the bearing is bad, it will resonate the roughness through the spring, which I didn't do.

So I am aiming to have another go at it this Saturday and will see if the noise has gotten any worse.

Anyone else here had to deal with a front hub bearings or any other front end noises akin to a bearing failure ?

The Car now has 170K on the ODO and from what I've read, front wheel bearings typically have a lifespan of around 100,000 miles or so (160K) I have even read of some vehicles with premature front hub bearing failure and due to my OCD, I am opting to only use original Toyota parts here. The OEM bearing is NSK but Koyo brand bearings are also acceptable. Koyo are widely used in the motorcycle industry, so they must be high quality. You can buy NSK bearings on Ebay for literally the same as what Toyota would supply, so you're better off just paying a few more dollars and getting Genuine parts.

I am in the meantime, tooling up and ordering brand new Genuine Toyota replacement parts through Amayama. I have an order pending approval and hopefully be on its way soon.
I have ordered a Toledo FWD hub bearing service kit. It's the version that you can use and not have to disassemble the whole knuckle from the car and have to get a wheel alignment after.

The bearing can be pressed in and out in situ. You only have to pop the driveshaft out, which I can do with my rotary hammer drill utilizing the pointed chisel tip to replicate a shop hammer. Just have to use jack hammer mode and happy days ! Don't think I'll need anything else. 

The parts are as follows

Toyota 43246-73010 - DEFLECTOR, FRONT WHEEL BEARING DUST, NO.1  2 off R + L

Toyota 90520-77001 - RING, SNAP  2 off R + L

Toyota 90369-T0007 - BEARING 2 off R + L

Toyota 90942-02082 - BOLT, HUB 10 off 

Toyota 90177-22001 - NUT 4 off ( Only 2 required, but keeping 2 for spare)

Edited by Tony Prodigy
  • Like 3
Posted

Update: 

Order from Amayama is on progress. $282.24 for the order.

Also discard item Toyota 90942-02082 - BOLT, HUB 10 off.
I was going to order new wheel studs, but decided no to at this time as mine are ok.

Maybe on the next order when I purchase upper and lower ball joints and tie rods for the next stage refresh when it's due.

Posted
On 5/12/2025 at 5:57 PM, Tony Prodigy said:

Hi Gents,

My wife recently reported a noise coming from the "tyres" as she put it. Typical me, I said I'd look at it later. Later became a few days, then a week. 

When I finally got around to it, I just checked the tyre pressure and topped off as required. I didn't road test it at this stage as I believed the problem would alleviate itself thinking it was only a tyre related issue.

How wrong I was.....

Well the next day, she told me that the noise is still there, so I took it for a drive and to my astonishment, there was a subtle groaning sound coming from the front end. I'm thinking WTF is that ???
I kept driving around the area for a bit, not able to put my finger on it. 
I'm thinking, could it be CV related or front hub related ? The noise didn't change all that much during cornering so it had me baffled.

At this stage being unsure, the common theme that goes with this type of noise is usually front hub bearings. So as soon as I pulled into the driveway, it was jacked up and front wheels off looking for anything obvious.

I spun the wheels and I couldn't hear anything, How could you anyway right ? While I was in there I took the opportunity to check the brakes. Perhaps one caliper got stuck and a pad was touching metal to metal ? NOPE..
I pulled the pads out and gave the calipers a clean and re grease. Pads are still quite thick, probably 70%, so not a brake issue for sure.

So with this I jumped onto YouTube and started my YouTube University course.
I have a strong suspicion that one of the front bearings is starting to go out. Not having armed myself with the proper diagnostic methods during the time I had the wheels off, I didn't know how I was going to get to the bottom of it until I saw The Car Care Nut's method. It was to spin the wheel with one hand on the spring. If the bearing is bad, it will resonate the roughness through the spring, which I didn't do.

So I am aiming to have another go at it this Saturday and will see if the noise has gotten any worse.

Anyone else here had to deal with a front hub bearings or any other front end noises akin to a bearing failure ?

The Car now has 170K on the ODO and from what I've read, front wheel bearings typically have a lifespan of around 100,000 miles or so (160K) I have even read of some vehicles with premature front hub bearing failure and due to my OCD, I am opting to only use original Toyota parts here. The OEM bearing is NSK but Koyo brand bearings are also acceptable. Koyo are widely used in the motorcycle industry, so they must be high quality. You can buy NSK bearings on Ebay for literally the same as what Toyota would supply, so you're better off just paying a few more dollars and getting Genuine parts.

I am in the meantime, tooling up and ordering brand new Genuine Toyota replacement parts through Amayama. I have an order pending approval and hopefully be on its way soon.
I have ordered a Toledo FWD hub bearing service kit. It's the version that you can use and not have to disassemble the whole knuckle from the car and have to get a wheel alignment after.

The bearing can be pressed in and out in situ. You only have to pop the driveshaft out, which I can do with my rotary hammer drill utilizing the pointed chisel tip to replicate a shop hammer. Just have to use jack hammer mode and happy days ! Don't think I'll need anything else. 

The parts are as follows

Toyota 43246-73010 - DEFLECTOR, FRONT WHEEL BEARING DUST, NO.1  2 off R + L

Toyota 90520-77001 - RING, SNAP  2 off R + L

Toyota 90369-T0007 - BEARING 2 off R + L

Toyota 90942-02082 - BOLT, HUB 10 off 

Toyota 90177-22001 - NUT 4 off ( Only 2 required, but keeping 2 for spare)


Hi Tony,

I'm not sure if you have confirmed that it is the wheel bearing, but if you haven't....

In regards to a diagnostic method, and try not to laugh at the first bit.....

Find a nice SMOOTH straight low traffic volume road (in regards to smooth, as close to recently resurfaced as possible)... 

At a set speed (say 60 km/h) take your foot off the accelerator and veer left and then right, being smooth but also aiming to load up each individual axle.

Also run your hand over the top of the tyre and feel if it is uniform or "jagged" as tyre noise can give off a noise like a whirl that might make you think it's the wheel bearing. 

Also have you checked the bearings in the front of the motor (using a LONG screw driver to your ear)??

Regards

Steve

  • Thanks 1
Posted
6 minutes ago, Novicebutnice said:

I'm not sure if you have confirmed that it is the wheel bearing, but if you haven't....

In regards to a diagnostic method, and try not to laugh at the first bit.....

Find a nice SMOOTH straight low traffic volume road (in regards to smooth, as close to recently resurfaced as possible)... 

At a set speed (say 60 km/h) take your foot off the accelerator and veer left and then right, being smooth but also aiming to load up each individual axle.

Hi Stephen,

I only took it out the one time and there is definitely something going on in the drive side of things, ie wheel bearings. I don't think a CV joint would make a groaning sound the likes I was hearing. CV shafts tend to click when turning which would indicate a bad articulating joint. 
The car starts up and runs quietly and smoothly. It turns corners with no CV clicks. The sound starts as you begin motion and gets to a level not loud enough to bother you, but low enough to have you thinking what it could be. It slowly dissipates as you slow down. Now, I did manage to test it on a smooth, quiet bit of road and my thoughts are still on the wheel bearing/s. I think one is going out for sure. To have two at the same time would be rare. 

I also removed the wheels and checked the tyre surface on both and they are good. I have always used Michelin Primacy 3ST tyres on our Aurion and they are of the highest quality. I would never expect them to feather out to the point they may create road noise. I know the difference between tyre noise and a bearing noise. The tyres have a symmetrical pattern that even under heavy use, will not induce tyre noise. The Primacy 3st tyres are known for their "silent technology" (ST).
Even so, our car is always driven carefully and sedately so no chance of tyres going bad or drivetrain issues. 
If this car could talk, it would tell me daily how much it loves us because we have taken really could care of it.

I'm aiming to have another go at it this Saturday and hopefully put my finger on it. Regardless, it has done the kays now to warrant new front wheel bearings anyway, so if it is one bearing, then this would be the perfect opportunity for some preventative maintenance and a good reset for the front end going forward. 
I plan to never sell this car, so it will get the treatment it needs when it needs it.

Thankfully I have a small war chest of new Original parts stashed away for rainy days anyway and will continue to keep an eye out for other consumable items as they come up for sale.

Recently purchased two Genuine Toyota front struts, front brake disc rotors and genuine brake pads.  I've had it with aftermarket crap rotors and pads. They just don't last.
I'll hopefully get the rear struts soon and keep them for when I do a suspension refresh. Trying to get as much as I can now before the stock dries up. I really want to use Genuine parts on this car as much as possible, especially the suspension. They don't ride the same with after market stuff.

22 minutes ago, Novicebutnice said:

Also have you checked the bearings in the front of the motor (using a LONG screw driver to your ear)??

This I'm not sure of. What part of the motor do you mean ? I'll rev it up and see if the alternator protests, but I doubt it's that. My money is on a wheel bearing.

Posted (edited)
2 hours ago, Tony Prodigy said:

Hi Stephen,

I only took it out the one time and there is definitely something going on in the drive side of things, ie wheel bearings. I don't think a CV joint would make a groaning sound the likes I was hearing. CV shafts tend to click when turning which would indicate a bad articulating joint. 
The car starts up and runs quietly and smoothly. It turns corners with no CV clicks. The sound starts as you begin motion and gets to a level not loud enough to bother you, but low enough to have you thinking what it could be. It slowly dissipates as you slow down. Now, I did manage to test it on a smooth, quiet bit of road and my thoughts are still on the wheel bearing/s. I think one is going out for sure. To have two at the same time would be rare. 

I also removed the wheels and checked the tyre surface on both and they are good. I have always used Michelin Primacy 3ST tyres on our Aurion and they are of the highest quality. I would never expect them to feather out to the point they may create road noise. I know the difference between tyre noise and a bearing noise. The tyres have a symmetrical pattern that even under heavy use, will not induce tyre noise. The Primacy 3st tyres are known for their "silent technology" (ST).
Even so, our car is always driven carefully and sedately so no chance of tyres going bad or drivetrain issues. 
If this car could talk, it would tell me daily how much it loves us because we have taken really could care of it.

I'm aiming to have another go at it this Saturday and hopefully put my finger on it. Regardless, it has done the kays now to warrant new front wheel bearings anyway, so if it is one bearing, then this would be the perfect opportunity for some preventative maintenance and a good reset for the front end going forward. 
I plan to never sell this car, so it will get the treatment it needs when it needs it.

Thankfully I have a small war chest of new Original parts stashed away for rainy days anyway and will continue to keep an eye out for other consumable items as they come up for sale.

Recently purchased two Genuine Toyota front struts, front brake disc rotors and genuine brake pads.  I've had it with aftermarket crap rotors and pads. They just don't last.
I'll hopefully get the rear struts soon and keep them for when I do a suspension refresh. Trying to get as much as I can now before the stock dries up. I really want to use Genuine parts on this car as much as possible, especially the suspension. They don't ride the same with after market stuff.

This I'm not sure of. What part of the motor do you mean ? I'll rev it up and see if the alternator protests, but I doubt it's that. My money is on a wheel bearing.

Essentially you can stick the screw driver on any bit of the engine, but the closer to a rotating part the better, but if there are zero noises when the car isn't being driven, including with your head "under the bonnet" with someone revving the engine, or turning the wheels (if your car has a power steering pump) or when the aircon is switched on etc....

I would say that it's unlikely to be an engine bay related noise.

From what I've seen in your posts over the years, I'm glad that you're car can't talk..... because it wouldn't shut up about how much it loves you 🙂

Given that you don't plan on selling it (unless I tell you this weeks winning lotto numbers... and even then.....), changing the wheel bearings won't hurt.

Keep us updated mate 🙂

Edited by Novicebutnice

Posted
On 5/14/2025 at 7:37 PM, Novicebutnice said:

Essentially you can stick the screw driver on any bit of the engine, but the closer to a rotating part the better, but if there are zero noises when the car isn't being driven, including with your head "under the bonnet" with someone revving the engine, or turning the wheels (if your car has a power steering pump) or when the aircon is switched on etc....

I would say that it's unlikely to be an engine bay related noise.

Yes Sir indeedy. 

I must say that the engine is pristine, even for 170K old now. The engine bay and engine still presents like new. The only parts I've ever replaced were the serpentine belt, tensioner pulley and idler pulley. It's had two batteries and the routine oil and oil/air filters. Coolant has also been done.

Plugs are still factory and showing no sign of any misfire issue. Original alternator, air conditioning compressor etc. It's never really had any invasive repairs. 
I must say that Toyota really sharpened their pencils when they designed the 50 series. I believe it to be the best of the last of the most reliable Toyota's ever made. The Camry V6 which replaced the Aurion after production of the Aurion ended. in my opinion, doesn't hold up to the 50 series Aurion. I'm happy to be correct on that but I am confident that my 50 series Aurion will see less issues than that of the XV70 Camry V6 and sadly the newer cars are just getting worse in terms of quality. 2017 was the peak of Toyota Quality in my opinion.

 

On 5/14/2025 at 7:37 PM, Novicebutnice said:

From what I've seen in your posts over the years, I'm glad that you're car can't talk..... because it wouldn't shut up about how much it loves you 🙂

😄😄:thumbsup:

 

 

Posted

Update: I had a chance to take the Aurion out for another spin and yes, the noise is still there but not sounding any different than before.

I then jacked her up in the front, left it in Neutral, and did the wheel spin trick.

I spun the driver's side wheel with my left hand and with my right hand on the coil of the spring and felt nothing. Hmm.. ok.

Then I spun the other side and low behold..., I could feel it. There is a definite low level grumble there which weirdly enough it amplifies itself through the coil spring. 
That Car Care Nut Guy is a Genius !!
So, it's only the left wheel bearing at this stage and mind you there is no play in the wheel top to bottom or side to side. So, it's only just very early days.

I suspect the grease has almost all but dried up creating the low level groan, but not to the point where the bearing has any significant wear to make it loose.

Nevertheless, I will be replacing both wheel bearings. I am also considering replacing the hub sections too so it's all fresh and new.

The order from Amayama is on its way and and currently getting prices from a couple of Toyota dealers for the hubs. Their prices are ok on some items, not always as cheap as you may think. 

I always cross reference prices from Ebay to Amayama and others just to see the price differences. You'll be surprised how much you could save by splitting your orders around. 

  • Like 2
Posted
On 5/17/2025 at 1:37 PM, Tony Prodigy said:

Update: I had a chance to take the Aurion out for another spin and yes, the noise is still there but not sounding any different than before.

I then jacked her up in the front, left it in Neutral, and did the wheel spin trick.

I spun the driver's side wheel with my left hand and with my right hand on the coil of the spring and felt nothing. Hmm.. ok.

Then I spun the other side and low behold..., I could feel it. There is a definite low level grumble there which weirdly enough it amplifies itself through the coil spring. 
That Car Care Nut Guy is a Genius !!
So, it's only the left wheel bearing at this stage and mind you there is no play in the wheel top to bottom or side to side. So, it's only just very early days.

I suspect the grease has almost all but dried up creating the low level groan, but not to the point where the bearing has any significant wear to make it loose.

Nevertheless, I will be replacing both wheel bearings. I am also considering replacing the hub sections too so it's all fresh and new.

The order from Amayama is on its way and and currently getting prices from a couple of Toyota dealers for the hubs. Their prices are ok on some items, not always as cheap as you may think. 

I always cross reference prices from Ebay to Amayama and others just to see the price differences. You'll be surprised how much you could save by splitting your orders around. 

Nice!

I definitely agree do both at the same time :-)

Posted

My New Hubs arrived today. Still waiting on my Amayama order to ship. Hopefully not too much longer..

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