Hey guys,new member Novice offroader. Got a 97 Taco 4x4 and recently had quite a bit of vibration between go and 30-45mph and my hubs felt hot after about an hour of driving. Alot of folks told me my wheel bearings were shot, so I went to a local 4x4 shop for a bearing replacement. When I went back to pick it up I was told that my truck had completely sealed bearing units and that they were fine. I was told all I needed was a tire rotation(vibration did stop) and that hot hubs are normal. I kinda feel I'm gettin smoke blowed up my tail, I've looked at umpteen web sites and they all talk about repacking the bearings and I've yet heard of a bearing thats packed,sealed and maintenence free. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Warm to the touch is normal, hot enough to burn you is not. I've heard something about the Tacos having a sealed bearing on the front too, so that part may be true. Wear from lack of rotation can cause some wierd vibes sometimes.

 

I have a '98 xcab with ADD and the bearings are indeed sealed. I have had a few shops confirm this. I have almost 100,000 miles on them. However, it is a mystery to me if the non-sealed bearings exist on some models. The Haynes manual (95-98 Tacos) has description and photos for repacking the front wheel bearings.