Need Help: F/R Wheel Bearing Replacement

I have a 09 Tacoma access and it needs the front right wheel bearing replaced. I’m more of a novice of fixing things, and I have a couple questions about it.
I got quoted $621 for the replacement of my Front passenger side wheel bearing. I looked into what it takes to do, but how long does it usually take to do? Are there any struggle points? Would it be better to get it pre-assembled?

 

I had one side growling, so I went ahead and replaced both sides with pre-made assemblies. It's pretty easy.

 

A pre assembled hub is the easiest way to do it and most likely what your mechanic plans on doing. It's a really easy job. If you're 4wd there's like two extra steps.

https://youtu.be/lvmwz8OXhhc

 

I did it with the pre-assembled units when I put my lift on. easiest part of the install.

 

OP, just beware. There are lots of sub-standard grade replacement bearings and hub / bearing assemblies available out there. The price you were quoted is probably for a Toyota OEM part and that's why it's expensive. There are far cheaper options out there, but you get what you pay for. If you're planning on keeping your truck for a while, put OEM in. If not, roll the dice with the cheap stuff.

 

My mechanic quoted me $300 per side for pre assembled hubs and $200 for labor per side. $1k both sides OTD.

It was a little pricey I think. If it was DIY, I could have saved $400 possibly.

There are a few vendors here that make pre assembled hubs.

 

You should ask him for the pre-assembled hubs, and do the rest yourself.

 

Napa had the bearing/hub preassembled with O ring and CV seal on the back of the spindle for around 200.

If you've got tools, the only odd ball is a 35mm socket for the CV nut.
Take the tire off, dust cap, put the tire back on and preferably with someone on the brakes, break the CV nut loose. Put it back up on a jack stand or 2 and let the fun begin....
Remove the caliper, rotor. Then you can get to the 4 bolts securing the bearing to the spindle. Use the back of the wheel studs to pull the bearing out as you unbolt the bearing.

To replace the seal that mates with the CV, remove the tie rod link from from the spindle and the 2 bolts on either side of the lower ball joint. The spindle will now swing forward to make replacing the seal much easier.

Replacing that seal can be a bitch unless you make a tool with a 3" PVC female adapter and a threaded plug with a square stud for a wrench. The seal fits perfectly on it, and with one wrap of tape to hold it on, it'll pop right on the spindle with a couple taps of a hammer.

First time replacing with no guidance, took about 3 hours. I think the last one I did took 90 minutes.

 

Autozone will loan you a 35mm socket and torque wrench for the axle nut.

I installed this pair on my '05 4x4 last summer:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-FRONT-HU...its=Model:Tacoma|Make:Toyota&epid=28014915611

Job was easy enough, and I know it was done right.

 

Spend the extra $ for quality parts and do BOTH sides; if one is failing, the other will likely follow soon.

 

^^^^what he said

 

Any Recommendation other that Toyota? Or any to stay away from. I want to buy quality. Toyota seems quite expensive. Are they worth it?

 

Most everybody on TW(myself included) goes here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheel-bearings-hubs-press-service-4x4-prerunner.537080/

 

^^^^^ what he said ^^^^^^
And here’s a good video to help DIY: https://youtu.be/BCP3wxUs-Vs

 

Remember, that video is for a 2 wheel drive Tacoma.

 

I replaced both my fronts about 6 months ago with the beck/arnley hub assembly from rock auto , made a big difference in noise and vibrations , did 2 long road trips and no problems so far. Seems like a well built unit but time will tell. Good luck keep us posted.

 

Good catch. If I recall, the only difference is the 35mm nut that also needs to be torqued back to (I think) 173.

 

Do they provide the complete unit? They say they are a press service only.

 

Yes, they’re complete units. He changed the wording after 1 guy, out of hundreds sold, had a problem.

 

I've done it twice. I wouldn't use the word easy