I have a 1993 4x4 extended cab, 2.4L engine, manual trans., locking hubs, IFS

The driver's side front half axle is loose in the hub; there is maybe a half inch of play when I move it side to side. This creates a thumping sound when driving over rough roads, and has been going on for some time. I just recently discovered that this was the cause. Everything else in the front end seems tight and I've had no trouble in 4WD.

My question is what caused this and what will I need to replace? The half axle itself? The brass bushings? I'd like to order whatever parts I need before tearing into it.

I have read other threads about replacing the half axle, but just need to know if that's what I will need to do.

Many thanks!

 

It sounds like the snap ring and "gold bolt and washer" that holds the axle in has failed. Pull the cap off the hub and have a look inside. There should be a gold colored bolt in the end of the axle with a washer behind it, as well as a snap ring in a groove behind the washer to hold the axle in place.

Depending on how long it's been like this, the only thing you may have to do is replace those fasteners. If it's been a long time, however, there's potential for spline damage, especially if you've run it in 4WD like this very much.

 

Yep. Take your 10mm wrench, pull the 6 bolts off of the hub face (while the dial is set to free) and see if the gold bolt and washer, as mentioned above, is still there.

 

I realized I wasn't quite accurate in my first post. To check the gold bolt, do as Scuba says. To check the snap ring, you'll have to go a bit deeper by taking off the 6 12mm nuts and sliding off the body of the hub assembly. The snap ring is behind that. Definitely check that as well. This will involve fun with the cone washers, which I won't go into here. Google Aisin manual hub replacement and you'll find some good articles with pictures about the details of this whole process.

Also, ditto on what Scuba says about having it in the "free" position before removing the face plate. Keeps things from flying apart when you pull it off.

 

Thanks so much, guys. I will do as directed and report back. I really appreciate your input!

 

When I tore into my hubs recently I noticed there is a small amount of play in the half-shaft if you move it in-board and outboard. You are right to check if that snap ring and gold bolt are still there, but if everything looks OK you may want to check your ball joints as well. When they wear out they also can cause thumping/clunking on rough roads. Good luck

 

TIP! on reassembly i pack those cone washers with anti seize lubricant, completely packed so that it squishes out when you tighten them. makes the next time much easier.

 

Hey guys. I finally was able to pull that hub assembly and investigate. Both the gold bolt and the snap ring were in place and intact. The axle play is primarily lateral (up and down rather than in and out), if that helps at all. I'm guessing my bearings are at fault. Could it be anything else?

What would be the next course of action?

Many thanks, in advance!

 

Extremely common problem. It's the brass bushings that support the cv axle as it goes through the spindle. google "Toyota IFS spindle bushing replacement" and you'll get lots of hits. The easiest way to replace them is to remove the spindle completely, but you may be able to get the bushings out by just removing the cv joint and tapping them out. Most people just lubricate them really well with grease (i've had good luck doing this as well) but if you want to replace them, here's a link to the part you need. It's usually just the inner one that wears out. http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index...s-bushing.html

 

Thanks a bunch for the advice! It does sound like that is the problem.

I believe I will try and lubricate the bearings first to see if that helps. I found a posting of a custom-made device that will do this, so will probably try to fashion one unless you know of an easier way.

 

If you have access to a welder, extra spindle but, tap and die set, etc, great. However, it's pretty easy to just pull the CV joint and clean and grease the bearings when they're out.