Droning noise, wheel bearing bad or something else?

For the last couple weeks and more so last few days my truck is making this droning (almost rumbling) noise when in motion. It starts making this noise from a few kph and increasing in intensity as speed increases to about 60kph, after that it slowly disappears. I suppose because of wind noise etc.

It does not seem to be the engine as it idles sounding clean as it should. When I rev it up in neutral, again, it sound clean as it should. Once I start moving, it appears and increases with speed.
When I let go off gas from going let says 60kph, as the truck slows down this droning noise slowly decreases as speed decreases. If I pop it into neutral, it does not make any difference, and it slowly decreases as speed decreases therefore again it does not seem to have to do anything with the engine.

I've noticed a very slight steering wheels vibration a few times, but very rare so far. Also, once it gets worse, (it seems to be getting worse as time goes by) I can feel slight vibration in the pedals and floor.

Initially I was thinking my wheels need re balancing so I took it to Costco where I got my winter tires. They offer lifetime free balancing. After they were finished with it, took it home and to my surprise it is exactly as before.

Now, with a little bit of research it sounds like possibly a wheel bearing going? Am I on the right track here?

What else could this noise be? I'm not mechanically inclined, so I will have to take it to the dealer. Truck is out of warranty so I will pay for everything! Does it sound like it can be something else? If it is wheel bearings, what should I expect price wise for parts and labor from the dealer?

Thanks

 

Needle bearing possible. Look up east coast supply for the replacement. Does it go away if you put it in 4H?

 

I will try 4H next and let you know.

 

A buddy of mine had pretty much the same issue and the bearing fixed it. The dealership did it because they couldn't prove the lift he put on caused it. However, the dealership bought the removal tool from him so it only ended up costing him for the price of the bearing. http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-and-tool.html

 

Front wheel bearings cost twice as much from the dealership as they are from say napa. Mine where the exact bearings toyota was selling too. They can be a real pain in the ass the replace. If I were you I would take it to an alignment shop before going any further because a simple pothole could cause the vibration, also they will tell you oif you have any play in your bearings which is the first sign.
If you start hearing a clicking sound youve only got about 200km before your bearing will seize.
Also check if one of your wieghts have shifted or youve picked up any mud inside your rims.
Good luck let us know what the verdict is.

 

Ok, put it into 4H and no difference whatsoever. Still the same drone.

I'm pretty sure now it comes from the driver side.

 

Hmm...I don't think I will be that lucky. I'm out of warranty. This sounds like will end up being an expensive repair.

I just returned from Costco. They re-balanced my wheels, but no difference. That was the techs first question if I have mud/dirt on my wheels or ice buildup inside. I don't.

I did not get an alignment, but as you know there is a million pot holes these days and it is impossible to avoid all of them. I've had some good hits this winter already.

Do you have a p/n from napa by a chance for the one that is same as OEM? Thanks.

I'm in Edmonton as well. What shop would you recommend. I guess not the dealer?

 

Maybe lift that side of the truck up and spin the wheel (by hand) check for resistance or shuddering could also be the brakes.

 

p/n= 515040 I have a spare just in case.

I have heard of them carrying a few different "brands" of bearings. I do believe these are all manufactured by the same company (dont qoute me on that) but I did check the numbers on the bearings with the one I inspected at toyota and kinda gave the guy shit for the substantial price bump they were putting on us.

 

Perfect, much appreciated. I can't do this type of work myself, so will have to find a good shop that will replace it.

 

No prob. Keep us updated.

 

Update:

Last night with your guys help I narrowed it down to left front wheel bearing.

Took it to the dealer today and had a tech test ride with me around the block. He right away confirmed he agrees it is the wheel bearing, except he though from turning that it is the right hand side although he agreed it sounds like the left.

Left the truck for a proper diagnostic, free of charge. They called me back and said it is left front, but right hand side is getting worse and is recomended to be replaced.

Quote OTD for labor and parts is around $1300 for both sides.

Does that sound reasonable. I'm not mechanically inclined, I cant do this type of repair and even if I could it is currently -26C outside with a windchill of -40 and I don't have a garage...

I need to call around a few shops to see if I can get this done cheaper. I was wondering if the price sounds about right? Good shop recommendations in Edmonton are very welcome. Thanks again.

 

have them give you the part numbers, and get them from napa or another place. If you bring them the parts, they'll replace it.

 

I will try that. I can't seem to find that p/n posted earlier on napa canada. Will have to continue searching for now.

These are the ones I found, but different p/n and no price? Sorry link did not work. Here is a screenshot.

 

the toyota dealer should give you the part numbers, then cross match them against napa (or call them up). I did the same thing with a CV axle and saved close to $1000.

 

Had the same problem, just replaced my front left wheel bearing. Bought OEM parts online, saved 150$, got my friend to install them at his shop for 100$, took two and a half hours. Drives like brand new, glad you found the cause.

 

Getting more quotes and sourcing parts...

My service writer gave me p/n: 43570-04010 for front hub & bearing assembly and a quantity of two.

Some sites suggest there is a specific part number for left hand side and specific part number for right hand side. For example 43570-04010 is LH and 43580-04010 is RH. Is that correct? Are they side specific? Does it matter or should I just order 2x 43570-04010. Confused.. Thanks.

Here are the rest of p/n's from the dealer:

2x (43570-04010) - hub & bearing - $267.90
2x (90316-A0001) - Outer seal - $38.90
2x (90312-96001) - Inner seal - $18.80

 

1300 big ones. That made me sick to my stomach. Napa sells the bearing for 110.
Left or right shouldn't make a diff. I think they are just trying to keep track of what's being bought.
It can be a lot of work to do but 1300 is not worth that. Find a local shop thatll do it for 600 leave the dealership for the guys with warrenties.
Good luck

 

Thanks, I won't worry about the sides then.

Dealership says 5 hours of work @ $130/h, Midas for instance 6 hours of work @ 120/h.

I found all parts at a dealer in states for $310 + $41 shipping willing to even ship USPS. Dealership parts cost is $650.

For labor so far, I haven't found anybody for under 5 hours.

For aftermarker, SKS aparently has two bearings available.

- premium one, p/n: PFW194 for $189.25 @ NAPA
- economy one, p/n: FW194 for $122.49 @ NAPA

Midas sells the cheaper FW194 for $257.39

 

N-N-N-N-N-NAPA KNOW HOW