Nad1370

Just torque it to 159 ft lbs.
I you can get the hub cheap. I'd replace it too.

thomas1

Hub and bearing assembly to axle carrier bolts torque is 59 ft-lbs That is according to Haynes manual for the rear hub.

smerre01

Be sure to give us an update if replacing the bearings solved your problem.

deepbluesk

My goal yesterday was to take the rear hub off and see what it looks like inside. I had a bearing and 2 seals ready, but really wasn't sure how it all fit together... ( for ex, is the bearing plug and play ? or does it need to be pressed off & on).

Anyway, after a late start and rain no less.... I disassembled what I could, only to find I didn't have a 1 3/16 socket. for the spindle nut.

Trotted off to Sears and picked up the socket... got back home and then realized I needed a 1 3/16 DEEP socket

Unfortunately, Sears dosen't carry a 1 3/16 Deep..... After wasting more time, finally found the socket at an local hardware store.

Finally got back home.... The socket fits .... but WOW... talk about tight... I tried with a big long HD 1/2' rachet and a pipe... no go...

So I broke out the air tools and the impact wrench.... That wasn't making any progress either... Since the socket was not an impact socket, I didn't want to over-do it. With my luck it would be a reverse thread or something.
So I packed it in for the day... I'll try to do a little more research before I try again....

If anyone has a Service Manual, I'd love to hear from you....

Nad1370

This bearing is actually pressed in the spindle/knuckle.
Bearing is also held in by a snap ring after you take the inner seal out. But you can use a long nose pliers to sqeeze it off.
It's not reverse threads on the axle nut.

You do need to take the whole spindle/knuckle assy. out of the car in order to do the job. Also a press of course. You could just have a shop do the pressing of course.

bob2200

I'm looking in my 2002 RX300 Repair Manual, around page SA-61. Other than the load of special tools they specify that you probably don't need, they suggest checking the bearing backlash and axle hub deviation. Near the center of the axle hub the backlash should be 0.05mm max. Checking deviation at the surface of the axle hub outside the hub bolt it should be 0.05mm max.

deepbluesk

Thanks for the input !!! Though I'm an avid do-it-yourself'er, I think I'll take it to a repair shop and let them do it.... I need this fixed for a trip on May 18th....

Hopefully, it will fix the problem once and for all... I'll let you know how it ends....

smerre01

deepblue, any word on the fix yet??

deepbluesk

It's in the shop today.... Hopefully, I'll know soon...

deepbluesk

It's finally fixed !!!

It was the bearing on the left side.... I can't believe how quiet it is now....
I'm also glad I had someone else do it. The whole knuckle had to come out and the bolt holding the trailing arm was rusted and broke. Ended up being 5 hours labor but worth it...

Thanks to everyone who helped along the way, with helpful posts and information.

bluebug

I'm suffering from the same rear end noise on a FWD RX300. Can someone confirm if this is the rear bearing and if I need 2 of them per wheel? I've also found bearings referred to as "side bearings" without the assembly so I assume they need to be pressed.

Given the slight price difference, I'm thinking the assembled unit might be the safer route as I don't want to worry about needing spacers, pressing, etc.

Thanks.

deepbluesk

One bearing, two seals per wheel... for my 1999... you didn't mention what year but you can look it up at a site like Carson Toyota.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

bluebug

Is the part number 90369‑38019? Do the 1999 RX300 AWD and FWD use the same part?

Can I get use aftermarket part like SKF, National from rockauto for $50 versus $95 OEM?

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1841630