I need to replace the rear diff pinion bearing but I'm not sure which to get - there's an inner and outer at the auto store but in my Haynes manual the diagram notes a front and rear. ?? Thanks in advance

 

I suggest you replace all diff bearings. You're already going to have to pull it apart to remove the pinion bearings and races. May as well do carrier bearings as well.

There is an inner (closest to ring gear), and outer (closest to driveshaft) on the pinion bearings. What's the reason they need replacement?

 

Thanks. I have some play in my driveshaft and my pinion oil seal is shot. I've been experiencing some minor leaking and it's progressively getting worse

 

Pinion bearing alone prob won't fix any play. Unless its vertical/horizontal movement, then possibly. If its rotational play, it's worn elsewhere, possibly in addition to pinion bearings (ring to pinion setup {backlash} may need inspection as well). Or it could be movement in the spiders/side gears/axle spline area. You won't know til you take the 3rd out.

If its a simple seal replacement, not that big of a deal. Be sure to properly re-torque the pinion nut to ensure proper preload of pinion.

 

pinion nut is prolly just loose, just replace the seal and tightin up the pinion nut

 

Thanks guys. I'm getting the bearings today and going to start in on it this week end. I'm hoping it's just the seal and a loose nut. I'll post updates and pictures

 

So I got the old seal out - it was toast. The pinion nut wasn't in thw right position either. Now I'm having a heck of a time putting the neal seal in straiggt. I've tried a pipe but it won't go in straight. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Got it in and back together. Thanks guys

 

Did your driveline slop go away?

 

Yep - everything is tight and leak free.

 

Well I guess I got ahead of myself the other day - I drove the runner the past few days and my drive shaft is wiggling again - the leak is not severe though. What is the issue? Something is causing the pinion nut to loosen and the seal to wear..any ideas? Thanks

 

Is the pinion nut staked? Are the splines tight? Is there a groove worn into the pinion yoke? This won't allow the seal to ride snug on the yoke neck causing a leak. The new seal prob just fit tighter to,slow down the leak.

 

The pinion nut was not staked - I need to do that now that I have it apart again. The seal was not completely pressed in. I just finished pressing it in and the seal looks to be in good shape still. I'm going to reassemble and stake the nut and see how it goes. The pinion appears to be fine as well. Thanks a lot man. I've had 4 4runners but never really took the initiative to work on them so your help is greatly appreciated. I'll post the results.