Description
For the 2015 Fielder, Toyota moved away from old-school serviceable bearings. This is a Generation 3 Hub Unit, where the bearing races are integrated directly into the hub housing. This design is lighter and more compact, but it means the entire unit is replaced as a single block. The Ksh 6,000 price point for an Ex-Japan original is particularly attractive because a brand-new genuine Toyota unit from a dealer can easily cost triple that amount.
The Ex-Japan Reliability Factor
When buying a wheel hub, the “Ex-Japan” label is a badge of quality for several reasons:
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ABS Precision: The 2015 Fielder relies heavily on its ABS sensor for everything from braking to fuel-saving “Eco” modes. Cheap aftermarket hubs often have “noisy” sensors that trigger ghost dashboard lights. Ex-Japan units use the original Denso or Advics sensors built to communicate perfectly with your car’s ECU.
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Hardened Steel: These hubs are forged from high-tensile steel designed to withstand the heat of long-distance driving without the internal ball bearings “pitting” or creating the dreaded “whirring” noise.
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Low Mileage: Because cars in Japan are often retired early due to strict inspections, these hubs frequently have 70% or more of their life remaining.
2WD vs. 4WD Considerations
The 2015 Fielder comes in two main drivetrain flavors:
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NZE161 (2WD): The hub is typically “solid” in the center.
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NZE164 (4WD): The hub has a splined center hole to allow the rear driveshaft (axle) to pass through and provide power.
Installation & Performance
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Bolt-On Simplicity: This is a 4-bolt flange design. Your mechanic won’t need a hydraulic press (which can actually damage bearings if used incorrectly); it simply bolts directly onto the rear trailing arm.
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Rolling Resistance: A fresh OEM hub reduces the “drag” on your wheels. You’ll notice the car rolls more freely, which is essential for maintaining the high fuel efficiency (km/L) the 2015 Fielder is famous for.
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