4Runner wheel bearing vs. Tacoma question

Does anyone know the difference between the two bearing/hubs(specifically 2003 up 4Runners and 2005 up Tacomas). It seams that Tacomas really eat the front wheel bearings, but the 4Runners hold up better(example, my 2004 4Runner had 200k+ miles on stock front wheel bearings). Also, the members on TacomaWorld that sell pre-made hubs show that they will interchange. Is there a difference between the two(4Runner sourced from Japan possibly)? Is it a fluke that my 4Runner bearings have held up this long? Any input would be awesome!

 

Sub'd

 

Sub'd
Would like to know also...

 

Subd, also interested in this

 

If you are having issues with the front wheel bearings Toy has quietly upgraded them with a new part and for lack of anything better I have been calling them the HD bearings. You may want to try them as the rollers are different in size, and IIRC there is an additional roller in each half. There is also an new mfg.

 

Interesting. Does anyone know the brand used between the 4runner and Tacoma? This may validate a trip to toyota for a comparison of the two "new" OEM units. Maybe the new HD bearings are the same as the 4Runners originals? I for sure want to figure this out.

 

One thing that I notice is that the 4Runner bearing is manufactured by Koyo 43570-60011 http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOYOTA-4X4-...ash=item281a5708a9:g:0ucAAOSwFV9X1grV&vxp=mtr
and the Tacoma is made by NSK 43570-04011 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-OEM-...ash=item3f6dd2a11f:g:b0EAAOSwA3dYDrnn&vxp=mtr

 

@BamaToy1997 will be the man to ask

 

Any input @BamaToy1997 ?

 

I have never known a difference at all between the Tacoma and 4Runner bearings. The part numbers with Toyota are the same.

Adding info, the part numbers are different, for some reason as Toyota replacement is showing KOYO for the 4 Runner, and NSK for the Tacoma. I only use KOYO on all of my assemblies and they are a universal fit.

 

I know it's cheaper to replace just the bearings but so much simpler to just replace the whole hub assembly.

 

Perhaps a little more detail would be better? lol.

Toyota has had their bearings come from Koyo since the beginning of Tacoma and the equivalent model 4Runner. Even the older design that was pressed into the spindle itself were manufactured for Toyota by Koyo. The newer design fits the following trucks:

$90 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 Tacoma (4X4)

2003-2015 4Runner (4X4)

2007-2014 FJ Cruiser (4X4)

2003-2009 Lexus GX470 (4X4)

2010-2015 Lexus GX460 (4x4)

The 2WD units fit the following trucks:

2003-2015 Tacoma Prerunner

2003-2015 4Runner (4X2)

2007-2014 FJ Cruiser (4X2)

2003-2009 Lexus GX470 (4X2)

2010-2015 Lexus GX 460 (4X2)

However I have noticed a discrepancy with the 2003 Tacoma Prerunner, in that SOME of them evidently did use the older designed spindles with the bearing pressed directly into the spindle, so those models have to be visually checked to be sure.

As for quality, Koyo does make the best assemblies. The problem, and the cause of failure is under several categories. the most common cause of failure is insufficient lubrication. The lubricant used really was not the best for this application, which generates a lot more heat than the factory bearing grease can handle. This results in premature failure for 2 reasons. One: Not enough grease results in lack of lubrication protection, resulting in early failure, and two: the low quality used would result in failure usually before the 60k mile mark. The next most common cause of failure is the inner seal at the CV axle allowing contaminants into the bearing chamber. Contaminants can include water, which when exposed to the high heat has been known to cause flash steam inside the bearing rollers. As you know steam is a VERY good cleaner, and will prevent the bearing grease form lubricating the bearing, causing quick failure.

That information is not accurate. The FACTORY OEM bearing for the 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, and Lexus is Koyo. NSK, National, and other brands do make aftermarket bearings that are called "OEM" but only in the sense that the bearings are built to factory specifications and require no modification to install them.

I would like to see the information supporting this. I have been dealing with the manufacturing plant for Koyo for many years, and there has been no changes to the manufacturing process for these specific bearings.

 

The whole thing with cheaper to replace just the bearing is subjective. Is the original hub still usable? If not, then it could add up fast. Typically a new Koyo bearing is about $90-100 including shipping. Add to that the cost of a new outer seal, o-ring, and possibly damaged hub, as well as press work at a shop (Unless you own your own press of course!) and the cost could easily match the replacement of the entire assembly. Some people do have a press, and they like the idea of doing it themselves. It's always awesome to fix your own stuff!

 

I always opt for easy rather than cheap. I do the same with CV boots. I usually just replace the whole thing rather than taking it apart.

 

My first front wheel bearing that needed to be changed was the drivers' side, at approx. 290,000 miles. I'd say it lasted a pretty long time.

 

There are a LOT of people who do get a large number of miles on the factory bearing. My comments are mostly directed towards those that DO fail.

 

Ive had three of my bearings fail prior to the 175k mark, with one at 208k and counting. Seems like theyre hit and miss as far as quality is concerned

 

According to parts.tituswilltoyota.com there are different part numbers.

3

43570-04011 Bearing

Front Wheel Bearing

TACOMA

$171.91 $121.33

3

43570-60011 Wheel Bearing

Front Wheel Bearing

4RUNNER(also same part number for FJ cruiser)

$188.17 $132.81

Also, looking at the ebay links where you can see the pics of items, both are toyota part numbers and box's and show pics of the replacement bearing(and show KOYO 4Runner NSK Tacoma). Now, I do not know if from the factory toyota installed KOYO on all and only sells NSK as a replacement for Tacoma? But, toyota does list a separate part number for both, and the 4Runner bearing costs more money. I can imagine Toyota would put the exact same part in both boxs(different part numbers), and sell one of them for a lower cost? Worst case, I will see when I pull my old hubs out and look. Just trying to do some research in advance.

 

Just had to replace the passenger side front bearing after having the driver side front done last year. I have 122,000 KM on the truck. I have had a lift and 285s with spidertrax wheel spacers on the stock rims for about the last 5 years. My truck barely sees the dirt and I'm feeling kind of burnt at the cost of doing these (not mechanically inclined enough to do it myself). I had a 93 4runner that I put through way more hell without these issues. Am I looking at having to do them both again any time soon? Don't think I can handle that especially when I'm going to have to shell out for new tires again in the next year or two. I don't want to be wincing when I go off road worrying about the bearings getting worn out.

 

I believe most would agree that Toyota build quality is not what it once was. But, compared to the other newer options out there, I believe they are still the best choice. Forums like this one will save a person some serious cash. May need to brush up on your wrenching skills.