I bought an 85 Ext Cab 4x4 a few months ago, my first Toyota, and love it! I recently noticed what sounded like a u-joint "click" when moving from a stop. When I looked at the drive line, I noticed that the u-joints have no play, but that Center Support Bearing in the middle of the rear 2pc drive shaft has about 1/4" radial play, like the rubber is worn out all around. The strange thing is I have not noticed any vibration or anything.

My question is, can I just replace the rubber piece around the bearing, or do I have to replace the entire bearing assembly?

 

no idea (sorry....), but you might try calling up the parts store and seeing what you can get your hands on....

 

Generally, it's a good idea to just drop the two piece rear drive shaft and install a one piece back there instead.

Usually a new drive shaft is close to the factory price on the parts you are looking to replace and you'll never have to worry about the center bearing or related parts going bad again.

 

that rubber bushing is designed to have quite a bit of play in it, mine can move a lot aswell, this is to dampen it when your drivetrain or vehicle hits something like a rock... are you sure that is where the clicking noise is coming from?

 

I was wondering that, but wasnt too sure.... (never had a 2pc)

 

What does that come off of?

 

What does the new driveshaft come off of... is that your question?

If so, a new one piece driveshaft comes of no vehicle I am aware of. To get one, you need to contact either a local or national driveshaft shop and tell them what you need. They probably ask you flange hole patterns and overall length... then they make one for you.

 

My CSB has been needing replacing since I got my truck a year and a half ago. About a month ago the rubber started to actually burn up a little while I was driving and it's still been okay. I asked TRDparts4U...or whatever it's called and got a quote of $230 for the part which is the whole kit and kaboutle. I don't know if that helps but when I posted a thread similar to yours, I got similar answers like just get a one piece drv shaft. I have yet to look into this but I think I'm just going to get a replacement CSB. I thought a one piece drive shaft on xcabs really reduces clearance and the two piece setup allows the front shaft to be nearly parallel with the frame....I could be wrong though.

 

I thought about that too, but then I took a closer look at it, and the rubber is torn about 3/4 all the way around the bearing. It doesn't look like there is much left keeping the rubber "doughnut" from spinning along with the bearing. I don't think that is where the clicking noise is coming from, but it looks bad enough that I will need to replace the CSB anyway.