06 Tacoma rear differential bearings

I have an 06 V6 RWD Tacoma with 140K. My mechanic diagnosed the howling sound from my truck as needing new rear differential bearings. I have had my differential serviced regularly so it sounds like it is just the bearings and the gears are ok. The bearings or rebuild kit don't seem be to expensive but I'm guessing it it will take some labor hours. I think the shop charges $75hr/labor. Has anyone else had these bearings replaced and can you give me a ball park on what it's going to cost me as the shop has not gotten me a price yet? I'm crossing my fingers that it will be under a grand.

 

2nd opinion would be my first choice, double check the carrier bearing too..

 

Why do you say that? That was my first thought. Especially since I have had the rear end serviced. But it does make a slight howling sound at hi-way speeds?

 

Bearings in the diff are robust things living in grease, if kept greased and not "drag raced" all the time, they last a very long time. Carrier and u joints fail daily, so that's where I would go first.

 

I tow a little but but I certainly don't drag race or drive the truck hard and I recently had the rear end serviced at the Toyota dealership.
I was kind of thinking the same thing but I was hoping I could trust this shop that has been working on my vehicles for awhile. I scheduled another appointment for next Monday to have someone else take a look.

 

I'd be looking at wheel bearings before diff bearings. If the axle seals have failed; gear oil, like water, will find it's way into things, like the axle bearing and will thin out, wash out the grease inside.

I had a bad bearing that howled through the whole cabin. Couldn't hear it with a stethoscope. Finally heard the sound almost go away in a right turn and get louder in a left.

Not to difficult. Not much more than rear brakes.

Napa carries the koyo bearings and, they're were, having their annual bucket sale. 20% off. DO IT! They're not cheap and 20% off definitely takes some of the sting to the wallet away.

Good luck.

 

I too would bet it's the outer rear axle bearings maybe the shop is just calling them diff bearings, I would ask them to clarify. If it is axle bearings you will need to find someone with a press as they are pressed onto the axles, other than that they are relatively easy to remove.

 

For a complete 3rd member look at ECGS 700-800 complete depends on e-locker or not.
Rear wheel bearings are pressed on with axles out and do seals same time.
Any heavy loads and towing seems to eat the rear ends after awhile.
Mine slowly got louder till I had it pulled apart and fixed.
Prices vary by region/shop. I used a driveline specialty shop.

 

I hope it is the outer bearing. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Why yes, yes you do.

 

Just wanted to update my issue. I took it to a different shop for a second opinion. It was just a wheel bearing thank goodness. I was very close to forking over a grand for the differential bearings that didn't need to be replaced. I've taken my other 3 cars to this shop for the past couple years and I thought it was odd when they wouldn't call me back and said the bearings are on backorder. I'm sick thinking how many jobs I've paid this shop to do that probably didn't need to be done. I think they were honest in the beginning and they earned my trust to where I believed them whenever they told me certain repairs were needed. I appreciate everyone's feedback here and I'm glad I got a second opinion. Hard to find a trustworthy repair shop these days.

 

Glad that's what it turned out to be..

As for mechanics.... It's like that for everything. Sadly, you don't know until it's too late sometimes.