Front Wheel Bearing Replacement

[Stryker44]

Hey, I own a 2009 Toyota Corolla with about 100,000 miles on it....I do some serious driving to and from work, particularly in the summer.

Recently I've begun to hear a humming/rumbling/growling sound whenever I go above 30 mph. The sound disappears when I go slower or idle. The sound remains if I coast in neutral downhill (so I don't think its an exhaust leak or muffler problem). I suspect the sound may be coming from the left front wheel bearing - but obviously need to take it to a mechanic and have it on a lift to know for sure.

How long is it safe to go before getting this fixed? Funds are tight right now and I'd rather wait until I get my tax refund. Is it something I can put off a bit or does it need to be addressed, particularly in winter weather?

[davidyee]

Originally Posted by Stryker44

Hey, I own a 2009 Toyota Corolla with about 100,000 miles on it....I do some serious driving to and from work, particularly in the summer.

Recently I've begun to hear a humming/rumbling/growling sound whenever I go above 30 mph. The sound disappears when I go slower or idle. The sound remains if I coast in neutral downhill (so I don't think its an exhaust leak or muffler problem). I suspect the sound may be coming from the left front wheel bearing - but obviously need to take it to a mechanic and have it on a lift to know for sure.

How long is it safe to go before getting this fixed? Funds are tight right now and I'd rather wait until I get my tax refund. Is it something I can put off a bit or does it need to be addressed, particularly in winter weather?

...you may be right. It does have all the traits of a wheel bearing.

My suggestion is to pony the money up now and get it fixed. There is much more attached to your front wheel than just the bearing.

If the bearing seizes you are going to be in a world of hurt bill wise as you can risk further damage to brakes, rods, etc.

The tip off by the way is the noise when you are in neutral coasting. Get it fixed.

Just to let you know I had a wheel bearing give out while pulling my RV and boat to the lake. Had to crawl in at 20 mph for about 50 miles after unhooking the trailer and boat.

After that fiasco I suggest fixing the darn thing before you get caught in a situation not worth your while.

[jobberone]

Could be wheel bearing. Or brakes. Or half shaft/bearings. Jack the car up and rotate the wheel. Check the brakes (not that likely but possible and they need checked anyway). Rattle the half shaft and if too much play then that's a problem. Check for something loose. I recently had a brake line loose that periodically made noise.

[Boys122]

If it's the wheel bearing it will eventually wear out the tires. The bearing itself can't get any worse.

[Thatkidbob]

Originally Posted by Boys122

If it's the wheel bearing it will eventually wear out the tires. The bearing itself can't get any worse.

Unless it seizes. As David mentioned above, that would be worse.