5 wheel bearings in less than 3 months

[Netty007]

I don’t go down unused roads and avoid potholes when possible but I’m at a loss as to why my 5th wheel bearing of the highest quality has now gone. Mechanic has done loads of checks and at a loss.

yaris hybrid 2017

[Bper]

Hi Annette,Having five wheel bearings fail on a 2017 Yaris Hybrid is definitely unusual, especially with top quality parts and careful driving. It suggests that something is putting excessive stress on the bearings. Even though misalignment is usually a subtle issue, it could be causing constant, uneven pressure on all the bearings. If the car has had an accident or something’s out of spec that wasn’t obvious during a standard alignment check, it could explain why all the bearings are failing.If there’s any damage or wear to the wheel hubs or spindles where the bearings sit, even high quality bearings could fail prematurely. It’s also worth considering whether the installation process might be a factor incorrect fitment, improper torque, or not following Toyota’s specifications could cause bearing failures. While hybrid's generally don’t cause bearing issues, they can sometimes produce different vibrations or torque characteristics compared to conventional vehicles, especially if there’s an underlying suspension or balance problem. Since five bearings have failed, there’s likely an underlying issue that’s affecting all of them. It would be worth getting a second opinion from a Toyota dealership to thoroughly check for any alignment, suspension, or hub related problems that could be causing these repeated failures.👍

 

[Mojo1010]

That is very bad. Once I had a car which a bearing goes less than a year after replacement. My mechanic thinks it's a damaged wheel, visually he couldn't see any damage. The car was sold to a relative and they changed to a new 4 wheels set after a bearing went and it doesn't happen again. 

So I would suggest to source the same wheel and replace.

[TonyHSD]

What brand bearings were used? And what exactly has happened to them, the bearings themselves has failed or the speed sensor built in? 
Have they checked the wheels too? 
Have you cross and deep waters on regular basis like infamous Rufford Ford ( tourist attraction) ? 

[Netty007]

No deep water. All changed August. The back two have had no problems, front left been changed again but fine now, front right had top most quality for last change and has gone. Loud noise, wheel rocking

[MikeSh]

Given the quantity of knock off parts around I'd wonder if they really are top quality. The other possibility mentioned above is incorrect installation. 

I assume this has been done by a non-dealer, so it may be worth paying a bit more for a Toyota dealer to do it. That should ensure genuine parts are used and it's done correctly, but you'll have comeback if it fails again.

Wheel alignment, etc, seems unlikely to me as you'd expect the tyres to show some odd wear patterns long before a bearing went.

[TonyHSD]

Correct, if all checked and good and the bearings are indeed top quality from reputable vendors like SKF from Eurocarparts for example, the wheels are all good then it could be from the workmanship.
On Toyota cars front wheel hubs axles nut needs to be torque to specs ( if I remember correctly at around 250Nm, and hammer locked so correct pressure is applied, this is very important. Larger margin +/- can cause premature wear. 
Also wheel hub nuts should be x pattern torque to 103Nm with wheels on the ground and no grease of any kind used anywhere between these parts. 

[Trewithy]

maybe get your tracking checked by a tyre specialist using 4 wheel alignment.

If you need another wheel bearing get it done at a Toyota dealership so you have genuine Toyota parts fitted by a Toyota trained mechanic.