Steven54

I have a Lexus, ES 330, 2005, V6, automatic, with 115,000 miles on it.

Over a year ago I put new NAPA rotors, NAPA pads and rebuilt AISIN calipers on both sides of the rear. Also I had new O'Reilly brand parking brakes installed. They worked fine on both sides for 15 months.

Then this year a wheel bearing went bad on the right side and then the ABS sensor failed (in the bearing assembly) on the left side.

Two months ago I had a indy shop install a new right rear bearing carrier bracket, wheel bearing assembly, and splash guard. Everything was fine.

Two weeks ago I had the same indy shop install a new left rear bearing carrier bracket, wheel bearing assembly, and splash guard.

Everything appeared good and it ran fine for about 20 miles.

Then a knocking sound began on the left rear. Its frequency varied with the speed of he vehicle. I adjusted and cleaned the brake pads thinking they were loose and I tightened a slightly loose brake caliper mounting bracket. Knocking came back after two miles. Next I replaced the NAPA pads with Akebono pads and bracket/shims that hold the pads in place. Same knocking occurred after two miles of driving. I took it back to the shop they tore it all apart. They found the brake pads were not flat. So they sanded them flat and reinstalled them. They said the new bearing assembly seemed good. Then I drove it about 30 miles after they did this and it appeared the knock was gone. But then it started up again and became just as bad as it ever was. The knock seems to lessen while the brakes are being applied. The brake assembly became quite hot while driving it home with the knocking going on. I am stumped. What might this be? Bad new bearing? Warped rotor? Both?
Thanks,
Steven

911LE

The bearing is bad. Only use OEM bearings or you will keep having this problem.

ls430w140

Koyo in the rear (never put Chinese junk in that area, as it takes forever to get to it = extra unenecessary costs), Timken in the front. Cardona calipers are totally fine, as well as OEM pads.

Steven54

Thanks for your reply. It really helps.
A bearing problem was what I was beginning to suspect. But it was perplexing.
The new bearing on the right is an SKF with a 3 year warranty. Not a cheap bearing assembly with just a 12 month warranty. It has worked fine since installation a couple of months ago.
The new bearing on the left is the same, also an SKF with a 3 year warranty. It has had a problem since installation 10 days ago.
OEM bearing assemblies are at least double the cost. These SKFs were supposedly the high quality ones from NAPA.

Steven54

Thanks for your feedback. It helps. With one good experience with the SKF bearing on the right side I did not expect an SKF bearing to be the problem on the left side.

Gerf

I would be suspicious of this, unless there was a problem with caliper pins sticking. Maybe they were just grasping at straws and wanted to tell you" something".

Steven54

I suspected this also. I know the caliper pins were not sticking because I had them out and put grease on them the day before they sanded the pads. They were not dry even before I added grease.