A Guide to Replacing Wheel Bearings on Your 2007-2018 Lexus ES350
That humming or roaring from your wheels could be a bad bearing; here's what you need to know.
- The 2007-2018 ES350 uses a difficult press-in bearing for the front wheels and an easier bolt-on hub assembly for the rear.
- A humming or roaring noise that changes when you turn is the most definitive sign of a bad wheel bearing.
- For longevity, choose premium aftermarket brands that are known OEM suppliers, such as SKF, Timken, NSK, or NTN.
- Due to the need for a hydraulic press for the front bearings, professional installation is recommended for most owners.
Is Your Lexus ES350 Making a Strange Noise?
A failing wheel bearing is one of the most common sources of unusual noises on the 2007-2018 Lexus ES350. The most classic sign is a humming, roaring, or grinding sound that gets louder as your speed increases. Many owners describe it as a "wom wom" or low-frequency roar that is dependent on vehicle speed, not engine RPM. A key diagnostic trick is to notice if the sound changes when you turn. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose wheel bearing noise like a pro For example, if you steer left and the noise gets louder, the problem is likely a bad bearing on the right side of the car, as more weight is being placed on it.
Front vs. Rear Bearings: A Critical Difference
It is very important to know which bearing you are replacing. For the 2007-2018 ES350, the front wheels use a press-in bearing, while the rear wheels use a bolt-on hub assembly. Replacing a front bearing is a much more difficult job that requires a hydraulic press, 🎬 See the step-by-step process for replacing press-in front bearings while the rear hub assembly is a more straightforward DIY task.
🎬 Watch this walkthrough for replacing the rear hub assemblyChoosing the Right Aftermarket Wheel Bearing
When replacing a wheel bearing on your ES350, you have a choice between OEM and a wide range of aftermarket brands. Since Lexus does not manufacture its own bearings, a high-quality aftermarket part can be as good as, or even identical to, the original. Aftermarket brands can be grouped into a few tiers:
- Premium / OEM-Supplier Brands (SKF, Timken, NSK, NTN, FAG): These brands are known for manufacturing bearings for automakers directly. They are widely considered the best choice for longevity and performance, matching original equipment quality. NSK, in particular, is noted as a likely OEM supplier for Lexus.
- Quality Mid-Range Brands (Beck Arnley, National, WJB): These brands offer a good balance of quality and cost. National is often associated with Timken. Beck Arnley is known for sourcing parts that match the OEM form and function. WJB is another established aftermarket bearing manufacturer.
- Value & Economy Brands (Mevotech, Dorman, TrueDrive): These brands provide a more affordable option. While some users have success with brands like Mevotech, especially for easier-to-replace bolt-on hubs, others report a shorter service life compared to premium brands. These may be suitable for a budget-conscious repair, but for the difficult front press-in bearings, investing in a premium brand is often recommended to avoid premature failure and repeat labor costs.
Cost of Replacing a Lexus ES350 Wheel Bearing
Costs can vary significantly based on whether you're replacing a front or rear bearing and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $30 - $96 |
| New OEM Part (Dealer) | $144+ |
| Shop Labor (per wheel) | $268 - $393 |
| Total Professional Replacement (per wheel) | $412 - $537 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace wheel bearings in pairs?
If the failed bearing has high mileage (e.g., over 100,000 miles), it is a good practice to replace the bearing on the other side of the same axle. Since both bearings have been subjected to the same conditions, the other one may not be far from failing.
What is the difference between a press-in bearing and a hub assembly?
A press-in bearing is just the bearing itself, which must be pressed into the steering knuckle using a hydraulic press. A hub assembly is a pre-assembled unit that includes the bearing, hub, and mounting flange, which simply bolts onto the vehicle. The 2007-2018 ES350 uses press-in bearings in the front and bolt-on hub assemblies in the rear.
Will a bad wheel bearing cause an ABS light to come on?
Yes, it is possible. The wheel bearing assembly contains the wheel speed sensor ring that the ABS sensor reads. If the bearing has excessive play or wobbles, it can disrupt the signal from the sensor, triggering the ABS or VSC warning lights on your dashboard.
Are there any recalls for the 2007-2018 ES350 wheel bearings?
No, searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database did not find any specific recalls for wheel bearings on the 2007-2018 Lexus ES350. However, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #L-TT-0321-22) was issued for some newer models (2019+) regarding a roaring noise from the front, which could be related to a wheel bearing.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 42450-33030 42460-33020 90369-A0005
Front: Press-in Bearing. Rear: Bolt-on Hub Assembly.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Lexus ES350: