So I started noticing over the last month or so that there seems to be a lot of movement in the transmission/t-case shifters in my Tacoma. It is most noticeable when I hit the gas after being stopped at a stop light or when driving down a less than smooth road. Every time I hit a bump or pothole the shifters seems to jump, almost sounds like the trans shifter is going to jump positions. I started investigating under the truck today and hit all the joints with some lube. I was shaking down the driveshaft to check all the u-joints and noticed that there seems to be a lot play in the center support bearing (at least 1/2'' in all directions) This is the first vehicle I have owned with this type of bearing. Is this amount of free play normal or am I going to have to replace it?

 

The play is normal. The bearing is contained by a rubber "shock absorber" boot. The bearing slides over the drive shaft and that rubber bumper allows the drive shaft to move around (absorbed by the boot). You will know when the carrier bearing goes bad because there will be a squeak in sync with your rpms.

 

ok thanks, no noises yet so I guess I'm good for now

 

Check your engine and tranny mounts.