What are the symptoms of a failing wheel bearing in a 2020 Toyota Highlander?

Toyota Highlander Fourth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

5 min read

876 words

Problem Statement

Learn about the symptoms of a failing wheel bearing in a 2020 Toyota Highlander and the diagnostic steps to identify and replace it.

Affected Component

wheel bearing

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

Symptoms

•Grinding or growling sounds
•Clicking or popping sounds
•Steering wheel vibration
•General vehicle vibration
•Excessive wheel play
•Uneven tire wear
•ABS warning light

Diagnostic Steps

1
Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2
Inspect the wheel and tire for visible damage or irregular wear.
3
Lift the vehicle and check for excessive wheel play.
4
Spin the wheel and listen for grinding or unusual noises.
5
Drive the vehicle at low speed to check for vibrations.
6
Check tire pressures.
7
Use a scan tool to check for ABS-related codes.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack and jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Torque wrench
•Wheel chocks
•Mechanic's stethoscope (optional)
•Dial indicator (for play measurement)
•Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches)
•Tire pressure gauge

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Symptoms of a Failing Wheel Bearing in a 2020 Toyota Highlander

A failing wheel bearing can lead to several noticeable symptoms. In the case of a 2020 Toyota Highlander, you may observe the following signs:

1. Unusual Noises

Grinding or Growling Sounds: A common symptom of a failing wheel bearing is a grinding or growling noise that increases with vehicle speed. This noise is often heard when the vehicle is in motion, especially during turns.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: If the wheel bearing is severely worn, you might hear a clicking or popping sound as the wheel turns.

2. Vibrations

Steering Wheel Vibration: A failing wheel bearing may cause vibration in the steering wheel, especially noticeable at higher speeds.
Vehicle Vibration: You may also feel a general vibration throughout the vehicle, particularly when driving straight.

3. Wheel Play

Excessive Play: There might be noticeable play in the wheel when grasped at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions. This can indicate that the bearing is no longer holding the wheel securely.

4. Uneven Tire Wear

Tire Wear Patterns: A failing wheel bearing can lead to uneven tire wear, which may be visually noticeable. Check for bald spots or irregular wear patterns on the tires.

5. ABS Warning Light

Dashboard Warning Light: In some cases, a failing wheel bearing may cause the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light to illuminate on the dashboard due to the wheel speed sensor being affected.

Diagnostic Steps

Tools Required

Jack and Jack Stands
Lug Wrench
Torque Wrench
Wheel Chocks
Mechanic's Stethoscope (optional)
Dial Indicator (for play measurement)
Basic Hand Tools (sockets, wrenches)
Tire Pressure Gauge

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process

Safety First
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface.
- Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
Visual Inspection
- Inspect the wheel and tire for any visible damage or irregular wear patterns.
- Check for loose components around the wheel area, such as brake calipers or suspension parts.
Wheel Play Test
- Lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
- Grasp the wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and attempt to rock it back and forth. If you feel excessive play, it indicates a potential wheel bearing issue.
Noise Diagnosis
- With the vehicle still elevated, spin the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or unusual noises.
- If available, use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen closely to the wheel hub area while rotating the wheel.
Vibration Check
- Lower the vehicle back to the ground.
- Drive the vehicle at a low speed to check for vibrations in the steering wheel or through the vehicle body while turning gently left and right.
Tire Pressure Check
- Ensure that the tire pressures are at the recommended levels. Incorrect tire pressure can also cause vibrations and uneven wear.
ABS System Check
- If equipped, use a scan tool to check for any ABS-related codes that could indicate a wheel speed sensor issue linked to a failing wheel bearing.

Repair Instructions

If diagnostics confirm a failing wheel bearing, here are the steps to replace it:

Tools Required for Replacement

Replacement Wheel Bearing Kit
Bearing Puller or Slide Hammer
Socket Set
Torque Wrench
Pry Bar
Brake Cleaner
High-temp Grease

Step-by-Step Replacement Process

Remove the Wheel
- Loosen the lug nuts using a lug wrench.
- Lift the vehicle using a jack and support it with jack stands, then remove the wheel.
Remove the Brake Caliper
- Unbolt the brake caliper from its mount and secure it (do not let it hang by the brake line).
- Remove the brake rotor if necessary.
Access the Wheel Bearing
- Remove the dust cap and cotter pin if necessary to access the axle nut.
- Use a socket to remove the axle nut, then pull the hub assembly off the spindle.
Remove the Old Wheel Bearing
- Use a bearing puller or slide hammer to extract the old wheel bearing from the hub.
- Clean the hub surface thoroughly with brake cleaner.
Install the New Wheel Bearing
- Apply high-temp grease to the new wheel bearing and press it into place.
- Ensure it is seated properly and securely.
Reassemble the Hub
- Reinstall the hub assembly back onto the spindle.
- Torque the axle nut to the manufacturer’s specifications (check the service manual for the correct torque value).
Reinstall the Brake Components
- Reattach the brake rotor and caliper.
- Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts to the specified value.
Test Drive
- Lower the vehicle and conduct a test drive to ensure that the noise and vibrations have been resolved.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these symptoms in your 2020 Toyota Highlander, it is essential to diagnose and address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and ensure your vehicle's safety. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for specific details and torque specifications.