My mechanic has just told me that my axles need to be replaced. When I engage my 91 t4r into 4WD, it will start making a ratcheting sound when I take a sharp turn. Has anyone had this problem and how much does it usually cost to get repaired. Also would this be easy to do by myself.

 

Is it making that sound only at full lock? It may just be your steering stops.

 

Do you have any idea of what the cost would be for this replacement?

 

See:
- http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...ront_end/lube/

 

Welcome to Yotatech - you'll find a TON of info on your truck here! There's a "search" function which is quite handy.


Does it do it in 2WD, or just 4WD? Do you have manual hubs (have to get out and turn the little dial thingy in the center of the wheel to "lock")?

If just 4WD, what kind of surface are you on - pavement, dirt, snow, etc?

If it happens in both 2WD and 4WD, it's likely the steering stops as shown above.

If it only happens in 4WD, and you're on dry pavement, well, I'd say it's "normal" driveline bind. You shouldn't be making sharp turns on dry pavement in 4WD.

If it only happens in 4WD (more specifically with the hubs locked) on "slick" surfaces (dirt, snow), then I would guess the CV axles need to be replaced. You can very likely do it yourself. I use the lifetime guarantee remanufactured ones from Autozone - they are $70ish after the core charge (when you take back the old ones). Usually, the boot rips first (the back accordian boot next to the red one in Roger's picture above), slide under there and check them out - if they're ripped definitely have them replaced!

There are a few writeups on here about how to replace the CV axle "halfshafts".