lauried

Brought my truck in to a repair shop to find out the reason I hear a fairly loud whirring noise while driving. I was told I needed a new "rear end" as the rear bearing is worn out. What is the best approach here... if the bearing is worn, why not just replace the bearing? Don't know much about cars, and I don't want to get ripped off! THX!

RunnerUp

perhaps they meant the rear bearings... how much was the quote for?

RunnerUp

or if you can unbolt 4 bolts and use some seal pullers you can save yourself loads of money by doing it yourself....

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/r...s-pics-110243/

lauried

Thanks for responding Kyle, The mechanic advised me to replace the rear axle assembly (or something to that effect) with a used one - quoting about $1800.00 - does this sound right?

RunnerUp

oh god... alright, a few questions... how many miles on your truck, is it lifted/larger tires than stock? at most to replace both wheel bearings and all the seals it should be like 500-600$ at most shops... its doubtful you actually need a new rear end unless you abuse your truck or it has tons of miles on it. im about to have to replace my rear end though, and its going to cost me about 2k but im having an upgraded differential put in it with brand new gears. if i were you, i would take it to the dealer and see what they say before you drop 2k on something you may not need...

on a side note, my rear end is howling (only when i press the gas and only audible above 40mph) and it is in need of replacement, but my truck see's a little bit more use than the average 4runner... and just for your reference, i have 126,000 miles on it right now

li_runner

Your mechanic is trying to rip you off here.

I had one replaced less than 5k ago, and the dealership was trying to push both on me as well this is 175k. It is most likely only one has gone bad. Have someone else look at it and quote you a price as well.

If you have (doubtfull) access to a lift, you could see which one is going bad. You just lift the truck up (rear tires off the ground) with the engine running in drive idling. You can go around the the rear axle and tug on the ebrake wire and stop and start each wheel noticing which one is making a noise as it is rotating. This is how I knew that I only had 1 bad bearing that before this I thought was a bad u-joint again.

lauried

I don't abuse my truck, but I do have 155K mile on it! Sometimes I carry some weight in the back (photo gear). You can hear the howl on my truck as soon as you start moving.
The tires are 265 70R16 which is standard I think. I am going to a transmission place in the AM to see what they say as opposed to the mechanic who did my brakes testerday. I would just like to be prepared with a little knowledge so I know which questions to ask.

lauried

Are there other bearings in the rear end besides the individual right and left ones? The mechanic mentioned something about the problem being in "the pumpkin".
Also, I have replaced the rear differential fluid at reccomended intervals, and have since heard that maybe that's not such a great idea.

rearviewmirror

Take it to another shop.. I doubt you could have destroyed the rear axle. It is a DIY project but it's definitely easier said than done. There's quite a few snags when removing/installing the bearings and seals. The job shouldn't be more than $400 or so, that's with seals and bearings on both sides. (That does not include new brake shoes.)

li_runner

I'm not sure you understood the issue then.

The pumpkin does not contain bearings, they are in the axle tubes. What does the problem feel like.

i.e. It is a vibration/sound happens with every wheel turn or does it happen at a slower pace than your wheels are rotating?

In any case get a second opinion, if you truely do need a entire new axle (doubtfull) $1800 is not an entirely outlandish quote.

Adam F

It sure does. One pinion bearing, and 2 carrier bearings. If these bearings go, they can make a lot of noise.


But, you shouldn't have rear end issues on a 02 4Runner unless you had a massive leak and ran the rear end dry. DEFINITELY take it to another shop and get a second opinion.

lauried

The sound begins upon accelleration..., and gets louder until I reach a coasting speed. I haven't noticed it's relationship to the wheel turns. When I go tomorrow, should I expect the problem to be diagnosed properly with a test drive, or will the shop have to take a look inside the pumkin? I am bringing it to a transmission place.
Thanks for your help and patience!
Laurie

Adam F

A test drive is definitely in order, as well as putting the truck on a lift and listening to the rear end while its spinning. They should also drain the diff and check for metal shavings and remnants of a bearing gone bad.

lauried

So if these bearings inside the pumpkin go, what's the remedy?

P.S. I didn't have any leaks

I really like my truck, and would like to get it back in good shape.

Adam F

Pull the pumpkin, replace the bearings. Not a big deal for an experienced mechanic.

hross14

It sounds like it is the Pumpkin/pinion bearing--the third member that is inside the housing. I had the same symptoms and it turned our to be the pinion bearing. couple Tests

Shake the tires and see whether the wheel bearings feel tight--

Next--disconnect the driveshaft and push up and down on the pinion shaft--play equals bad news--Inchoworm Gear can build you a third with an LSD for about $1100 or so. The instalation is easier than finding a whore in Tijuana.

Correct me if i am leaving something out guys

lauried

THANK YOU ALL for your help. I feel like I can now go in to the shop and have a converstaion with the mechanic, make sure that I get the appropriate repair, and avoid getting ripped off.
I will post the results of my adventures tomorrow!

Laurie

toy_tek

Laurie,

Just to simplify what the other posters are talking about. You probably have one of two possible problems. 1. Wheel bearings which are located at the wheel and 2. Differential carrier/pinion bearings located in the 'pumpkin'

I really can't see either one being more than $400 at a shop, tops. Removal of parts is easy and bearings shouldn't be more than $50 a piece tops.

Good luck!

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

I don't know what the diff stuff would be but I do know that the dealership charges $256/side for rear axle seal/bearing replacement...just checked to see if it was worth my time...and it is.

easttntoy

I just did my bearings and seals. It was around $225 for parts and $60 to have everything pressed on at the machine shop. It's only 8 nuts to get both axle assemblies off.