I have a 94 4 runner, 4wd, no locking hubs, and I'm trying to check/replace my front bearings. I've gotten down to the locknut on the axle, which measures 2.115" just under 54mm. What are you guys using to remove/install this nut? There isn't room to get a bite on it with anything adjustable, and my normal sources don't have anything that big.

I can't believe I have to but the OEM axle nut wrench.

Thanks,

Mark

 

don't use a chisel lol..

as you already know, you need a spacial socket!

wabfab is a member here, he sells them!

 

2 1/8" or 54mm

 

Thanks guys. I'll try and borrow a 2 1/8" and order one for future use.

So, when I got to this point, I found a twisted broken piece of metal that looked like it was a bit snap ring, back behind the nuts. Are there some other parts I should be getting?

I'm guessing at least one of the full wheel bearing kits.

Thanks,

Mark

 

That was probably the "star washer" that the tabs get bent over the two 54mm nuts holding them together. It should have been between the two nuts, not behind them. Behind them should be the claw washer which holds the bearing in place.

If one side is that bad, you would be better served to service both sides NOW.

 

That's the plan. I want to get both apart to see if bearings need replacement, both sides.

 

A decent auto parts store should carry the correct size hub nut socket.

 

Yes, a decent store should carry it. The 2 I went to yesterday didn't. After I open up the other side, I may try a couple more, but I've been very disappointed with the parts stores here in New Orleans. The NAPA warehouse store is pretty good, and O'Reilly is too, but other than that, it's usually a waste of time.

The broken bits may have come from the star/lock washer, but there is something between the two nuts, and I did have to bend a tab away from the nut, even if I couldn't remove the nut.

Thanks everyone.

 

Sears should have a 2 1/8" in stock.
Both of the ones here in town carry it.




Fred

 

yep i got mine at sears.

 

Thanks again, I'll check them out this morning.

 

Ok, got the socket from Sears, removed the nuts, lock washer, index washer. I can't remove the hub/bearings. I can't seem to get the inner race of the outer bearing to move. I've pried, hammered, tried to use the cover as a puller(shims under cover), etc. I have hit it with penetrant(kroil), and retightened the nuts till it took the slack out of the bearings, I thought, but still can't get it off.

By the way, I found more chunks of metal, I think it was the bearing retainer, not the lock washer.

Thanks for all the help so far guys.

Mark

 

Once you remove the (2) 54mm nuts, star washer and claw washer, the outer wheel bearing should just come off unless it got worn/welded on there from being torn up.

You are going to have to hammer/punch of the bearing races, but the wheel hub has to be off first.

 

Thanks. I was able to use the cover as a puller to get it off. The inner race of the outer bearing was very obstinate, everything else came off ok. As I thought, it looks like the bearing retainer from the outer race was the source of the mangled metal.

I'll be ordering bearings tomorrow, and work on removing the outer races when I have time tomorrow. I've done wheel bearings before, but not on 4wd.

The other side seems fine, looks good visually, no play or noise, I thought I'd save that one for another time. The bad side has probably been a bit loose for some time. There's been an occasional funny noise from that wheel for some time, mostly when turning in reverse.