Hey all,
2005 RL w/ 166K miles.
I've got an issue that sounds like it's originating from the left-rear. Sounds a bit like a muffled Huey coming in for a landing (not that I have any experience, besides movies!). It's particularly noted when I make a left turn. No sound at all when I make a right turn. Definitely the rear. I'm thinking wheel bearing. I changed out the differential fluid, both chambers, no change. Been happening for a few months, only getting more pronounced.

As always I could go OEM, but they seem overpriced. I will if I have to.
Any recommendations for aftermarket bearings? I'm going for the whole assembly. Not just the bearing.
I've been looking at either Timken or Centric. The latter being about $40 less per bearing assembly at Rockauto. Amazon doesn't carry the Timken bearings for the 2005 RL in the rear.

Thanks.

 

In my aftermarket experience, Timken bearings have been the go to for replacement.

 

Thanks.
I ordered the Timken for the left rear. Arrived last night. Now just waiting for a new torque wrench that can go up to 220ft-lbs. Hopefully my existing large breaker bar can get the spindle nut off! I'll try to crack it while the tire is still on the ground.

Here are a few pics of the Timken wheel bearing:
Closer look at the splines of the bearing assembly.
Close up the metal work of the hub.
Zoom-out pic of the assembly. Left rear.

 

Would it be possible to document the change as a DIY? It would be much appreciated!

 

Yup. Sure can I'm not anticipating too many issues with disassembly, except for that one big nut that's factory torqued at 188ft-lbs!
Hoping to get to that job either this weekend or the next, weather permitting.

 

Just posted on this topic in the existing nearby thread "Rear end drone 30-65 mph." Didn't know about Timken or any other bearings. Hope your choice works out great for you and shows the way for all the rest of us in this situation to save money.

 

I just bought a pair of new Timken wheel bearings for thr front from rockauto. Will get them installed and report back in about two weeks. Also getting new OEM shocks installed too. can't wait!

 

also interested in what needs to be done and the tools needed and how much cursing

 

For the axle nut, grab an electric impact. When I changed my front wheel bearings it was literally a breeze. Just make sure that axle nut is torqued properly.

 

My post with instructions and pics and all will be out very soon. Let's just say replacing the hub assembly was easier than I expected - with the right tools. As noted above, an air or electric torque driver is STRONGLY recommended

 

Good work, look forward to the diy! I've been eyeing buying an electric impact driver recently, did you end up getting one?

 

Got the front wheel bearings installed today in addition to new OEM shocks, front brakes, and spark plugs. As mentioned above, for wheel bearings, we used the air impact gun.

The car drives really nice. I definifely can tell it is more responsive in turns. The shock absorbers makes the ride a lot smoother, making the ride very enjoyable on the freeway. Overall, the car drives like it did when I first test drove it, so I am in love with it again. In the process, I have found that the front compliance bushings are getting worn, and so Lower control arms will be next on the list of things to replace.

note: my original wheel bearings were fine, but I definitely can tell the car is more responsive in steering with the new Timkens wheel bearings. For reference, my car has 116k.

 

Has anyone any experience with MOOG hub assembly? On rockauto Timken and Moog both appear to have actual bearing pressed in (when you scroll mouse over pictures it shows same part #) so i guess Moog would be a better choice since it has 3 year warranty as compared to 1 year for timken. Links below:
Timen: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1399&jsn=1399
Moog: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...32638&jsn=1443

 

this is actually a really good example of the differences between brands when it comes to bearings... zero. (the caveat being really cheap, obviously Chinese made bearings of obscure brand name) both of the parts you've linked to are actually made by NTN and then boxed as "Timken" or "Moog." even bearings from the dealership are "re-boxed." Honda/Acura doesn't manufacture bearings they spec them and then buy them like every other auto maker. However, they typically use SKF brand when new.

 

Actually i bought Moog bearings for front and they have same bearings pressed in as oem. I went with moog because they have better warranty than timkin and afterall they have same bearing made by NTN. After installing the car is smooth now and mpg went up also.

 

I currently have 06 RL w 173k miles and not sure how to tell if the wheel bearings are ready for replacement. I am sure these are stock oems...
Can you share what to look for if the bearings need replacing?
My mpg is kind of lower than expected... I get around 19-20mpg combined (city/hwy), but at the same time I am not too easy on gas, nor am I too hard on it... Just avg driver I guess... Any other tell signs to look for... Noise / howling sounds I do hear to some extent but car is older, could be road, tires, prop shaft I dunno...
If there was definitive signs of bearings needing replacement, I would definitely want to monitor it and replace them if needed... Thanks

 

Every car is different when comes to bearings. Jack up the car and hold the tires and try to Push and pull the tire in and out and there should be no play. If you have howling sounds check the tires first, other than that it's very hard to tell the condition of bearings. At that mileage it is not a bad idea to replace bearings as a preventative maintenance.

 

Were these press in style bearings or bolt on replacements?

 

These come ready to be mounted. Just remove 4 bolts from back side and put new hub in. Make you you remove wheel speed sensor first from back side.