Recommendation For Dealing With Lexus Service

[CinRedMan]

I am the second owner of a RX300, which I purchased (earlier this year) from the same dealership who sold the car (new) to the original owner. Purchased car with 99,980 miles, now has 102k miles

The car was always serviced at the dealership and they (dealership) provided me a complete service history on the car. As of today, I've not had to have any work done on the car. Therefore, I have zero experience with dealership's service department. Reputation of them is stellar, but I have no personal experience.

Recently, we are hearing a noise above 45 MPH which sounds like a wheel bearing going bad.

Reviewing the service history, the car was taken in on 2/4/11@89,168 miles for service. 5 conditions are listed at time of service with a R.O. total of $940.53

1. 30K Mile Service
2. Other Diagnosis - NO RAB TIMING BELT REPLACED
3. Wiper Inserts
4. Rear Brake Pads
5. Front Axle - Desc: FRONT AXLE ~|~ C/S: customer states humming noise from vehicle. can hear best at 45MPH or Higher. Sounds like a wheel bearing. Tech 29 test drove when customer stopped by ~|~ Tech reports noise from right rear wheel bearing. Tech recommends replacement of bearing ~|~remove and replace right wheel bearing GOODWILL/SMAP WARRANTY

I've made an appointment for this Friday to have the dealership inspect the car, but I have a few questions...

1. What is "SMAP WARRANTY"? (Yes, I tried google first)
2. Assuming the same bearing; what should I expect from the dealership in terms of prior work warranty
3. Assuming the issue is NOT the same wheel bearing; estimated dealer cost to replace?
4. With the mileage at 102k, Assuming another failed bearing, opinion regarding having all other bearings replaced as preventive maintenance?

Thanks in advance!

[lenore]

The bearing could be bad, but I would not replace all bearings as preventative. Cost at the dealership could be quite expensive. The front bearing itself is about $60 but the labor involved is what will cost you. The front hub has to be removed and the bearing pressed out. If the same bearing failed than they may have improperly pressed it in which could cause damage to the bearing. The bearing is a very large sealed roller bearing. You might find cheaper prices at Toyota or an independent garage that handles Toyota products. Another cause of vibration if it is AWD (all wheel drive) is the carrier bearings in the drive shaft going to the rear wheels... If you have front wheel drive you would not have this bearing. Oh man misread, if it is the rear bearing than the whole hub can be replaced. After market Timken bearing/hub can be had for as little as $160 or less. Again a independent might be cheapest for this maintenance.

[CinRedMan]

Report from dealer - drive shaft bearing is bad.

[lenore]

That one is easier to replace