Gx470 Wheel Bearing Replacement

[kidafius]

2004 GX 470 has a droning/moaning sound going on. At roll, i can notice a slight "teht teht teht". At 35 mph the drone gets noticeable, sounding like a twin-props are propelling the vehicle. Making a right turn ( at > 30 mph) makes the noise go away. Left turns do not affect it. I believe it is a wheel bearing, which Toyota dealer agreed with. Toyota serviceman drove it and said it sounds like a wheel bearing, but there is also a slight leak from the shift actuator. He wanted me to take to Lexus because Toyota folks don't mess with this cars transfer assembly.

SO, because the noise is present with or without the gears engaged (in neutral) while travelling > 30 mph and the fact that it goes away with right hand banking, convinces me of the wheel bearing. The leak I have attributed to the TSIB about the O-Ring, and I will deal with that later.

Long story short, the bearing is about $150 American, and I am asking if anyone has experience or advice in a DIY wheel bearing replacement on this model vehicle. I would take it for service, but with an uncertain economy and a child on the way, I can't afford to tack on another $1500 to overhaul the TS and another $700 to replace a bearing. I know that these are sealed bearings and do not require packing. I just have never performed this feat.

Lots of kudos are yours to be had if you can help.

[not sure]

i can't imagine it being too different from a front wheel drive car other than the weight of the vehicle. you'll want some very sturdy jack stands. the most difficult part i ever had with front-drive bearing replacement was getting the tie rod ends separated without tearing the rubber grease boots. (i think it was the tie rods, could've been the ball joints?) you have to disassemble enough up there to allow the hub assembly to swing out far enough to remove the axle.

overall, not a very difficult job in the grand scheme of things. you'll need an alignment afterwards. you can find CD copies of the repair manual on ebay from time to time and actually get one before ebay removes it for $20. (luckily, i received ship notification today :) )

good luck! just remember that auto zone / advance auto parts, etc. rent or loan the tie rod / ball joint separators and you'll need a large socket to remove the hub / axle nut too (and, it may be very difficult to remove. i've used lengths of pvc slid over ratchets to remove them before)

Brian

2004 GX 470 has a droning/moaning sound going on. At roll, i can notice a slight "teht teht teht". At 35 mph the drone gets noticeable, sounding like a twin-props are propelling the vehicle. Making a right turn ( at > 30 mph) makes the noise go away. Left turns do not affect it. I believe it is a wheel bearing, which Toyota dealer agreed with. Toyota serviceman drove it and said it sounds like a wheel bearing, but there is also a slight leak from the shift actuator. He wanted me to take to Lexus because Toyota folks don't mess with this cars transfer assembly.

SO, because the noise is present with or without the gears engaged (in neutral) while travelling > 30 mph and the fact that it goes away with right hand banking, convinces me of the wheel bearing. The leak I have attributed to the TSIB about the O-Ring, and I will deal with that later.

Long story short, the bearing is about $150 American, and I am asking if anyone has experience or advice in a DIY wheel bearing replacement on this model vehicle. I would take it for service, but with an uncertain economy and a child on the way, I can't afford to tack on another $1500 to overhaul the TS and another $700 to replace a bearing. I know that these are sealed bearings and do not require packing. I just have never performed this feat.

Lots of kudos are yours to be had if you can help.

[mann777]

To make the long story short there is TSB issued for GX on the Dreaded Drone...have a look. With regards the actuator it is a very simple job. Replace the O Ring which I did, all was solved.

Steering_Drive_Line_Vibration_issue_Feb_2008.pdf

[mann777]

Kid

Here is the seal replacement method for the actuator leak. Also there is a TSB issued.

cheers

TRANSFER_CASE_O_RING_SEAL_LEAK.pdf

INSPECTION.pdf

CENTER_DIFF__LOCK_SYSTEM.pdf

[bluebelly]

Kid, I have the same problem. Put it on a lift and the driver side bearing has a little more noise than the pass side. I think its a bearing too.

Wanted to know if you did the replacement and your results, thanks.

[bluebelly]

If anyone is interested; I took the 470 to Lexus and they said both front wheel bearings were worn out ( passenger and driver side). They replaced both sides and some other parts, total cost was $1800 plus. The good thing is they did it under the drivetrain warranty because it is all wheel drive.

D