Intro and question

[DadVibe]

Hey all, my name is Eddie. I just acquired an 08 FWD Vibe. It was free and runs like a Japanese watch. I normally drive a Ford F250 but with $5 gallon gas here in Cali it was breaking the bank just to take my daughter to school. I have to say I've fallen in love with the little Vibe. Goes anywhere, holds all our junk and sips gas.
Now on to the question: It does need new wheel bearings and I thought I'd just change out the whole steering assemblies. When I searched I only find assemblies for the Matrix. I know they are the same car but the the sellers say they won't fit my Vibe. Is this true? Are there differences between the Vibe and Matrix for 2008?
Thanks for the advise and forum, Dadvibe

[andrewclaus]

I'm not sure about the whole knuckle, but I used Toyota part numbers for the bearings. I found a local transmission shop with the right press to install them.

[zbyers]

Hey all, my name is Eddie. I just acquired an 08 FWD Vibe. It was free and runs like a Japanese watch. I normally drive a Ford F250 but with $5 gallon gas here in Cali it was breaking the bank just to take my daughter to school. I have to say I've fallen in love with the little Vibe. Goes anywhere, holds all our junk and sips gas.
Now on to the question: It does need new wheel bearings and I thought I'd just change out the whole steering assemblies. When I searched I only find assemblies for the Matrix. I know they are the same car but the the sellers say they won't fit my Vibe. Is this true? Are there differences between the Vibe and Matrix for 2008?
Thanks for the advise and forum, Dadvibe

Same drivetrain matrix of the same year is the same part in this case. IE: 08 Matrix FWD steering knuckle would be identical. AWD ones are different.

[DadVibe]

Thank you for the info. Parts on the way.

[jolt]

Same drivetrain matrix of the same year is the same part in this case. IE: 08 Matrix FWD steering knuckle would be identical. AWD ones are different.

What is strange is that RockAuto Parts shows different part numbers for the same brand part for the front hub assemblies for the '08 Matrix and the '08 Vibe. There may be something different about the Vibe and Matrix. Check the strut mounting bolt hole size as I remember that some Toyota's (Corolla) use smaller strut mounting bolts then the Vibe. It could also be something like a hole in the hub for a cable mount that is different. The difference has to be a minor one.

[zbyers]

Same drivetrain matrix of the same year is the same part in this case. IE: 08 Matrix FWD steering knuckle would be identical. AWD ones are different.

What is strange is that RockAuto Parts shows different part numbers for the same brand part for the front hub assemblies for the '08 Matrix and the '08 Vibe. There may be something different about the Vibe and Matrix. Check the strut mounting bolt hole size as I remember that some Toyota's (Corolla) use smaller strut mounting bolts then the Vibe. It could also be something like a hole in the hub for a cable mount that is different. The difference has to be a minor one.

yeah, i am not sure why rockauto does that, but they are identical. we have replaced several this way.

Rockauto also only lists the hub assembly for an AWD under a matrix, but not under a vibe. we have ordered said assembly for a matrix several times and they worked perfect.

[DadVibe]

Well thanks for the info. So it seems that the only difference is the Matrix steering knuckle has the hole for the ABS sensor. My 08 didn't have ABS. I just put a cap in the hole and a screw where the hold down screw would be.

[tpollauf]

Nice research and glad it worked out. Can barely see other parts on the car BUT it seems to be a very clean Vibe! Post pics of the entire Vibe when you get a chance & brief story as to how you got this FREE! Glad you found us here, now visit often!