BOSTON4RUNNER

Hello

I have a wheel bearing noise, I called for a price on the part, they say 87 bucks. My truck is a 1997 4 Runner SR5 3.4 liter 4 wheel drive, standard shift

Is this an easy job? will this bearing likely come with some type of half sleeve, bearing race so I can simply pop off the old one, pop in the new one?

Or will I have to take the spindle out, have it pressed on and off?

Please advise, I need to get this done, going on vacation next week

I appreciate the help!

MTL_4runner

I have heard nightmares about doing front bearings on 3rd gens. They are a a press on/press off type of job so if you need to get them replaced I highly suggest taking it do a dealer to have them do it (at the very least bring the spindle to them and have them use their press....if they screw it up it is all on them).

BOSTON4RUNNER

i have heard that they can be a b--ch

anyone else has any advice?

MTL_4runner

You might also want to check out this thread:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/wheel-bearing-question-3rd-gen-34561/

Albuquerque Jim

Bearings are a major pain. Take it to the dealer and suck it up. Or, go to a yard and buy a used spinlde off of a later model with less miles. That would probably be a cheaper route.

BOSTON4RUNNER

i will have access to a local machine shop that can press them on and off

id rather not go to the stealer!!!!

i wish i knew of a used spindle! tough to find around boston, soooo many people just keep their trucks on the road

BOSTON4RUNNER

i bought a complete spindle,,,is this swap hard?

any time estimates?

Albuquerque Jim

I could do it in 30 mins max. It's pretty easy if you have the right tools and you know what you are doing. If you have to ask, it will probably take you a couple of hours. Definately a good learning experience though. GL

BOSTON4RUNNER

i do have some experience thankfully, worked a mechanic by trade for many years and build and race early camaros, have a pretty nice shop at home, a converted barn, which pretty much every tool, so i think it will be an easy install....the spindle my dad picked up yesterday was non abs....so i will have to find another....

MTL_4runner

If you have a used spindle, that should be a much easier install.
You need the ABS sensor for the brakes to work properly.

You'll need to check to see if you can transfer the old sensor to the new spindle, I have no idea.
I hope it was from a 1996 or later.....

BOSTON4RUNNER

we returned the incorrect one, it actually has a fitting, sensor that screws in near the wheel bearing for the sensor to make readings

i am hunting down another one now.....

hopefully get one, swap it in before i go to NC...it is not real bad, barely noticeable, also will see today how much of is was the wheel bearing and how much of is was the rack, which on that side had tons of play! with play on that end, might have caused the wheel, wheel bearing to rotate off center which not only would wear the bearing but could also cause a wheel bearing noise

perhaps i got to it in time and the bearing will be ok for now? but who knows for 100 bucks ill swap in a good used unit

regards, and thanks again to everyone here, i can always count on yotatech for infomation and support!

yotasound

Ive replaced three front bearings on my truck and to me the first time was a bitch but after that it was not hard. Mudding kills bearings lol. Some advice don't go mudding with your everyday truck even if your friends think your a ˟˟˟˟˟, they aren't paying for the fixes, are they?