Front Axle Bearing / Hub Assembly Failed!

[Zen Master Joe]

Friends,

On my 2006, GS300-AWD, 89,000 miles:

I’ve been hearing a “chomping” and gentle “grinding” sounds from my front driver-side wheel at all speeds (though louder “whining” at higher speeds). The alignment is perfect and drives well otherwise. Took it to the dealer and they confirmed that it is the driver-side front “Hub and Bearing assembly” that needs to be replaced. The number they gave me for the part is: 43560-30030 but I cannot find it anywhere on the web. Moreover, they want $800 for the job which includes the $335 bearing assembly. I tried finding the right part on the web for less $$$ but am coming up with many different versions and am not sure which one is the right one. Secondly I’d like to do the job on my own (and save the $800) and would like to ask the experts here, how difficult is this job (say on a scale of 1 to 10). I am an electrical engineer and have moderate abilities in mechanics. But I do not know if I need unique tools to do this job, or what steps are required to do this.

1. Can someone please recommend a reliable source (preferably an OEM) and a correct part # where I can get this part.

2. Can someone let me know what would I need to do to (in order) to get this thing replaced.

3. Are there special tools that I need to buy to do this?

Many thanks

Joe

[lenore]

Found part here: for less

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2006/lexus/gs300/driveshaft_-ar-_axle/wheel_hub_assembly.html

Also Here

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

As for labor you have to remove the hub assembly from the steering knuckle, and then press the hub out of the steering knuckle...Labor seems high to me.

[lenore]

However here is my local lexus online dealership for $223 for the part...And it looks to me that you will not have to press the hub from the steering knuckle. It is different from my RX...

http://www.mylexparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214992&chapter=&Sectionids=0,2512&groupid=2513&subgroupid=52092&componentid=0&make=20&model=GS 300&year=2006&graphicID=8945340&callout=2&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

[lenore]

Look on the Lexus site under Front suspension and then Brake components. The hub/bearing assembly is listed there for $223.

If you have AWD, then you are going to have to remove the brake and caliper assembly as well as the caliper mounting plate. The axle nut is going to require a lot of torque to remove. (my lexus RX300 is torqued at 156 foot lbs) So you will need a breaker bar and large socket. Then you will have to knock the axle shaft out of the hub and probably undo the shock mounting bolts to release the steering knuckle. I would suggest getting a Haynes book or google for info on how to replace the axle drive shaft....

[lenore]

You could skip over to the RX300 Forum page and at the top of the forum their is a Steve's how to tab...In their is the procedure for removing axle shaft from hub.

http://www.box.net/shared/o55c5697lt/1/9328827/92954091/1

[Zen Master Joe]

Lenore,

You're a scholar and a gentleman. I will pursue all your excellent leads.

By the way, Ive downloaded "Steve's how to" .pdf file and this was somewhat helpful. Though the directions in the file are excellent, there is no mention as to the make and model of the vehicle that it is written for. Would you know if this file is applicable to 2006 GS-300-AWD? It seems that I may have to buy an SST tool for the model of the vehicle that they use as an example. I'm also not sure why there is the need to disconnect the lower bolts to the shock absorbers.

Many thanks,

Joe

[lenore]

That is for a RX300, I believe your vehicle is different. From looking at the part pictures it looks like your hub assembly bolts to the steering knuckle...just a guess from the picture. HINT: when trying to break loose the bolt on the axle leave the car on the ground with the center cap removed on the wheel so that you have plenty of resistance to try and break the nut loose. They can really be on there tight. Again a Haynes book for $15 would be a good investment in how to do for your particular car.

[Zen Master Joe]

Obviously great advice coming from someone who has been there. I would certainly have lifted the car first only to curse the damn turning rotor later :)

Many thanks, and I'll see if I can track down the book.

Joe