microgadgethacker

Thanks to the OP for the detailed post. It saved me $1000 on a rear hub replacement for an AWD 2005 RX330. I went with the Timken part - it was available at the Autozone down the street. It seemed identical to the OEM part, and has a 3yr warranty. Went in perfectly without a hitch. If you have the time, soak the lug nut holes and the axle spline (after removing the axle nut) with penetrating oil for a day or so. Really helps free up stuff that's rusted together. For those who hear a roaring type noise that varies with speed, and perhaps changes in character while cornering, you likely have a wheel bearing issue. Here's one way to know how severe your problem is: Chock the wheels on the side you're not jacking, put the RX in neutral. Make sure you're on level ground! Jack up the corner you suspect is going bad until the tire is off the ground. Rotate the tire and listen for growling. Grab the tire on the top and on the bottom. Pull the top while pushing the bottom, then push the bottom while pulling the top. Use some muscle - don't be shy. If you get a few millimeters of wiggle you ought to park the RX till you change that bearing. If you must drive your RX with a mm or two of wiggle (say to get it to a garage), keep it under 30MPH if possible, don't go far, and corner gently. I picked up my RX used via private sale, and mine roared like niagara falls. It had almost 10mm (1/4 inch) wiggle. Rather unsafe.