Joe B

94 4runner v6 auto

When jacked up, my rear wheel moves in and out about a half, I figure this cant be good. I noticed about a week ago its been clunking when dirving. I re-did the rear shoes and drums because they were shot and I noticed if I grab the hub by the wheel studs in will move in and out.

Im thinking when I drive this play is causing the wheel to move in and out creating the clunking sound.

abecedarian

1/2"? yeah that's bad. sounds like wheel bearings or differential problem.
is this both sides or just one?

Joe B

maybe more like a 1/4 inch, its enough that it would move when driving. It moves a little more on one side then the other. I didnt know if the bearings would allow in and out play.

As far as bearing noise it doesnt sound like an ate up bearing, its more of a clunk from the wheel moving when driving.

Is there suppose to be any play at all?!? I will go measure right now.

abecedarian

the axle shaft is supported on the wheel end by the bearings and on the inner/differential end by the differential. so yeah, the outer bearing could be worn and what you're actually seeing is the wheel being allowed to move inwards and not outwards.

Joe B

Just checked it out, its actually massive side to side play, it looks the bearing is trashed, when I spin the wheel backwards it almost wants to lock up it sounds so bad. Its not as bad forwards, Im guessing because the bearing is us to spinning that way. I guess Ill pull the 4 bolts off the back and pull the axle out and have a new bearing pressed in. What is the actual name of the bearing? outer, or just straight up wheel bearing?

For clarification, Im in from out of town working on my buddys 4runner so Im unfamiliar with it all. I own turbo AWD talons, Im mechanically inclined but have no 4X4 or truck exp. Thanks.

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

What you would be looking for is the axle bearing (aka axle shaft bearing)

Since toyota trucks and 4runners use a semi-floating rear axle assy, there is only one outer bearing. you will also want to replace all 6 seals (3 per side) and you will also have to buy new lock collars, and C-clips.

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

Btw, here are the part numbers and quantitys you will need:

Bearing: 90363-40020-77 x2
Inner seal: 90310-50006 x2
Outer Seal: 90313-48001 x2
Bearing Collar: 42423-20010 x2

There is also an O-ring on each side, and the C-clip. I don't have part numbers for those. You will need two of each of those.

abecedarian

DC- is that to do both sides?

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

yes, to do both sides. One of each part per side. One bearing, one lock collar, one C-clip, and 3 seals per side.

I would also suggest replacing all the brake springs while you are in there. Schucks sells a complete spring kit, and while i normally reccomend against going to Schucks, its one of the only places I know that sells the complete spring kit, and the spring quality is equal to factory stuff.

86tuning

Or try buying an axle from a junkyard, it's often cheaper than replacing the bearing

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

I sell axles at my yard, and I ALWAYS recommend people replace the bearings in them. Problem is, you don't know how many miles are on the bearing and its enough of a PITA while being cheap, that its better to replace the bearing on your axle, or on the new axle.

tc

Plus, since it's a semifloating axle, if the bearing goes, you COULD lose the wheel ... been there, done that - not fun.

abecedarian

I agree with DC-
Why buy a whole axle (if you don't need it) when you don't know the condition of the bearings within? Maybe the donor truck had its bearings seize and threw the truck into a slide that totalled it?
It will most likely be cheaper to replace all the bearings on your own axle than it is to buy a used axle and have to replace all the bearings anyways. Maybe the used axle will last 25-50 or maybe even 100k miles, but is it worth taking the chance?

86tuning

I dunno, I've bought/sold axles for fifty bucks or less, and the r&r of an axle is pretty simple, if it's complete with backing plate, which it should be.

Bearings can be spun up and felt. You can drop it into the truck and check.

Of course, YMMV. Ideally you'd have a couple spare axles lying around anyways, in case you bend a flange doing something stoopid

Recommending replacing bearings is a good idea, and definately the safest route. I just thought I'd mention it, as we've done this more than a few times.

abecedarian

/me lolzI guess you own your property and have an acre or so?

iamsuperbleeder

I think he was talking about just the axel shaft itself, and brake backing-plate with the bearing and everything already pressed together...

I did mine a little while back; they were SHOT!

I had to pull my third out to replace the gasket on it cause she was leaking, and right when I removed the drums, I realised just how much play they had.

Unbolted the backing plate from the axel housing, and this here is what I found...

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drNNsdHWAeM&feature=channel_page[/YOUTUBE]

Yeah, they sounded GREAT at 50mph+, lolz

Not quite as much play as you sound to have, but I don't like the idea of having my axel slide out and "running away from me", especially since I take a 30 minute trip at 70mph to work every morning

It also helps to have a buddy who works in a machine shop and can use a press; the only thing the job cost me was the bearings and seals!

abecedarian

I was getting ready to find your posts about the axle bearings.