Strange bearing/wheel problem

mkiii222

Member
Mar 31, 2005
697
1
16
Troy, MI
I typically don't ask for help, but I'm lost on this one.

My passenger front wheel bearing and hub were replaced with Toyota parts about 10k ago due to a squeaking noise(think bird chirping) and the rotor not wanting to 'set'(the rotor would always be loose when taking the wheel off). I didn't do all the work myself, but I did take the knuckle out and had a shop take the bearing/hub out of the knuckle and press the new ones in(grease and all).

Everything seemed to be 'normal' except for the rotor still always being loose, which I just passed off as nothing being rusted together anymore since I had recently replaced the front brakes as well. Also I upgraded the struts/springs myself to Tokico TEMS/B+G, but it's been running those for at least 5k now without any problems.

Now it's started 'chirping' again. When the other bearing went out it would start by only doing it when it was cold, and then gradually got worse over time, but even in the coldest mornings here(FL, 45 or so F) it wasn't doing anything untill last night. I've already ruled out fan belts since it's coming from the passenger side and coincides with wheel speed not engine speed.

Is there anything else in that general area that would cause this? I'm thinking tie rods(haven't replaced those yet, but don't see how they would squeak) or the new bearing going out or possibly just needing more/better grease than what the shop put on it.

I won't have time to look at it untill next weekend as I've got a roadtrip this weekend. Really wanted to take the Supra, but having to take the other car now.
 

mkiii222

Member
Mar 31, 2005
697
1
16
Troy, MI
Nothing?

I'll add that the lower ball joints and PS rack were replaced 20k before the first bearing went out, but being an original bearing I figured it was time, and still can't see the relation to a bearing.

Oh well, if no one has anything to say I'll just clean it out with gas or mineral spirits and try regreasing it. And if that doesn't work I'll just get yet another bearing.
 

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
38,728
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I come from a land down under
The lugnuts/wheel hold the rotor in place

Try some "Brake Quiet" sprayed on the backs of the pads and see if the noise stops.

New wheelbearings come prepacked with grease so there's no reason for the shop to have changed it.