Bojangles

1994 Toyota pickup
4X4
2.4 4cyl 22re
My back right tire has this suspicious sound coming from it while im riding and it sounds like a bearing that might have some sand in it...Almost like its grinding. I probably need to get it checked out, but i dont want to waste money on it and it not get fixed. So what should i be looking/listening for when a wheel bearing would be going out?

peow130

Its more likely that your rear drums are dragging or have dirt in them..
I'd pull the wheel, the drum, and then clean up the pads.

Bojangles

I plan on doing this tomorrow haha thanks!
ANYONE ELSE?
I dont go through a whole lot of mud...but i ride dirt roads often...

iamsuperbleeder

well the bearings are something you can't replace in your driveway anyway; they have to be pressed on and off

clean the brakes out first (maybe a 10 minute job per side); if the noise continues, pull the axles out and you can inspect the bearings (maybe a 20 minute job per side, but you'll need to get new axle shaft seals if you're going to remove them; or rather, you SHOULD get new seals...)

if you're convinced it's the bearings, save yourself from going into the brakes twice, and while you've got all the brake hardware off, go ahead and remove the brake lines from the wheel cylinders, and remove the four bolts holding the backing plate to the axle, and slide the axles out and take a look a the bearings

but like I said, if you do find them to be shot, you'll have to bring the axles down to a shop with a press to have the worn ones removed and the new ones pressed on

Bojangles

I am very mechanically inclined, but i dont do well with Gearing and bearings and stuff.
plus with work and all i dont have much time to be working on the truck, this is my daily driver. So i think ill take it to the shop and have them check it out after i check the brakes.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Wheel bearing noise will often vary with turns. The bearing on the outer wheel in a turn will often make more noise and when the wheel is on the inside of a turn, it'll make less noise.

Bojangles

It does it when i turn left really bad...So i guess we've diagnosed huh.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

DIY replacement:
- http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...wheel_bearing/

Bojangles

So i just priced everything and for the shop to do it parts and labor its gonna be 385.00
Is this something you think i could take on in my driveway or should i just pay the 385.00 and let it be? Like i said im mechanically inclined, but not so much when it comes to Axles Gearing/Transmissions.

iamsuperbleeder

what? $385???

dude, buy the bearings and seals from a local parts store; might cost you $50 per side

in your driveway, you can remove the axles/backing plate/bearing assembly, and take it to the shop to do the pressing on and off, and they shouldn't charge but maybe 30 minutes labor!

crafthorse

With the right tools you can do it in your driveway. Its not hard, you will need a bearing puller and something to knock it back in the axle. Place the bearing in the freezer for about an hour to get all the clearance you can before you place it back in the axle housing.

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Go get the bearings from the dealer and try to do it yourself. The hardest part is obviously the removal. Use the link that 4crawler post, thats what I used...sorta...I have a disk conversion on mine so I couldnt use the wieght to pop off the bearing. You might be able to get those bearings popped on and off for free if you can bring it all in to the shop. You never know. Any locals in your area on here that can hook you up?

You military? Have any buddies that are? Go on station and utilitze the auto hobby shop...

Nogarage

Wheel bearings? I already got rid of those - boosts the gas mileage.

Bojangles

So i felt like an idiot, but it was actually the front right brake caliper,
One of the pistons were locking up, and it was squeling bad when i would turn to the left, and just make a slight dragging noise of the pad rubbing on the rotor.
Bought a new caliper, put it on, never had another noise.