Would a wheel bearing affect toe?

[slogfilet]

I know I have a rear wheel bearing going out, due the humming noise on the highway. I recently brought the car into Sears for a free alignment check, and the only wheel that was off (in terms of toe) was the one with the bad bearing. Is this coincidence, or the likely culprit?

It seems reasonable to me that a worn out bearing could put some slop in the toe, but wanted to see if anyone had thoughts. I'll also jack it up and check the wheel for excess play when I have a chance.

Thanks!

[cbaber]

If it had enough play to notice the tech would have pointed it out (and offered to sell and install a new bearing). The bearing is probably not the cause of the alignment issue. Since you have to replace the bearing anyway, check out this thread about a good brand to purchase.

[slogfilet]

Thanks! I've heard good things about Timken. They *may* be more trustworthy than the ones for $17 each from carparts.com.

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by slogfilet

Thanks! I've heard good things about Timken. They *may* be more trustworthy than the ones for $17 each from carparts.com.

Look 'out' for the "Made in China" mark of quality (wink,wink)!

[user removed]

Timken used to be the best you could get. Not so sure now. A bearing could be the cause of an alignment problem, but the alignment could be off due to an impact which could also cause the bad bearing. Typically bearings last a very long time.

regards
Mech

[cbaber]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Timken used to be the best you could get. Not so sure now. A bearing could be the cause of an alignment problem, but the alignment could be off due to an impact which could also cause the bad bearing. Typically bearings last a very long time.

regards
Mech

I didn't realize Timken produces bearings at first. It's ironic because I purchased Timken brand bearings/hubs for my Civic, and they come with NTN bearings installed in the hubs. The reason I recommended it was because Honda uses the same NTN bearing from the factory, but the factory parts cost 2x a much.

I guess Timken doesn't even trust their own bearings lol

[ksa8907]

A bad bearing, especially one that has been bad for a while will affect alignment. I had a front wheel bearing that actually failed from lateral loads, turns out they dont like it when you take a 3500lb car at 40+mph through 90 degree turns. Did that 4 or 5 times a week for about a year, always the same left hand turn then had a bad right front bearing.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by slogfilet

Thanks! I've heard good things about Timken. They *may* be more trustworthy than the ones for $17 each from carparts.com.

I would rather reuse old timken bearings and races then use new ones made in china.