Service Questions: Front Wheel Bearings + Carrier Bearing and U Joints, Mega Miles Out There - ease!

Please for all you knowledgeable truck people. I have a 2008 TRD 4x4 Double Cab, 5spd Auto and 4.0 L Engine with 143k miles on it. It's been the finest vehicle I ever owned. I take meticulous care of it. Up to this point, the only things that needed repair were the plunger/shock absorber on the glove box and a taillight. Dealer said the stud that holds the plunger/shock absorber is worn so when they remove it to check the cabin air filter, they might not be able to attach the plunger/shock absorber and would have to replace the glove box assembly at a cost of $400.

Some things have just recently come up that I have serious questions about. Two oil changes ago, the dealer said there was a little play in the carrier bearing on the two piece driveshaft. The advisor said then to not be too concerned with it as it should be good for another 80,000 miles.

At the service last week, they are now saying the carrier bearing and the two u joints behind it need to replaced at a cost of $1000.

QUESTION ONE - CARRIER BEARING RELATED: What is a typical mileage to replace a carrier bearing and what is a reasonable cost? The advisor said if the carrier bearing failed it would lead to catastrophic tranny and differential damage. Could failure lead to catastrophic tranny and differential damages?

For the last 2 or 3 LOF's mention of a wheel bearing noise in the left front wheel has come up. I've suggested it is from off road tires and it's been left at that. One advisor said if a wheel bearing is going bad it would be loud and you would definitely know it and it would be louder turning. There is a hum (again attributed to tires) and no noise turning.

QUESTION TWO HUB BEARING RELATED: The dealer said the hub bearing on the left side needs to be replaced ASAP and should do the right side at the same time. At what mileage should I expect to replace hub bearings? The cost for parts and labor (all costs I mention are for both parts and labor) for one hub bearing was $1200, therefore it would be $2400 for both + the $1000 for the carrier bearing and two u joints for a whopping $3400!

Additionally, as a preventative measure, when should I replace the water pump? I've heard they will ooze water when going bad.

QUESTION THREE - WATER PUMP REALATED: Is it sufficient to have a tech watch for oozing of water from the water pump as a signal to replace it and at what mileage and cost should I expect?

Lastly, I know, a lot of questions! There is an annoying, cricket like chirp coming from the right front quadrant. It doesn't seem to be RPM related, just gets louder as speed increases. Driving over rough surfaces gets it going. Dealer can't isolate it.

QUESTION FOUR: Any thoughts on the cricket like chirp?

I have to wonder since the dealer has no vehicles on the showroom floor and maybe no new vehicles outside, if all of this is to drum up back room profits since there are no vehicles to sell.

QUESTION FIVE - MEGA TACOMA MILES: As an aside: Do any of you have Tacoma's with a whole lot of miles on them and if so, what repairs and at what mileage did you have them done?

I've posted here before and the knowledge base is impressive. Many thanks in advance for any input on these questions!

 

Can't help you with all your cost related questions but I would bet that the chirping noise is coming from the worn carrier bearing.

 

Q1: 150K, from reading on here before doing mine, is a rough average for the CB. Go OEM or equivalent. There is also a poly-bushing mod that may still be available.
Q2: There is a long thread on here about hub-assemblies.
Q3: ~80 for a Aisin - OEM - on Rockauto for me two weeks ago. Squeaking could be any number of pulleys or your idlers. If you do the WP, you can source the idlers and tensioner - if the whole unit needs to be replaced - for pretty cheap. Again, search google:tacomaworld for that.
195k on my old girl.

 

AL W. Thank You! It would be a great solution if I get the carrier bearing replaced.

 

Reggie 4x4, I greatly appreciate your input. Thank You! Neat on your 195k! Hope you get many more!

 

1. Typically around 100k. Some times longer.
2. 100k is about avg for front. Rear can go much much longer.
2.5 I don’t plan to replace mine as a preventative maintenance item.
3. Yes, water dripping is one sign. A loose or worn drive pulley/bearing is another.
4. U-joints will chirp when worn and/or dry.

5. What is a lot of miles? I have 151k on mine?
Is that a lot? If so, I’d be happy to name a list of things I have had to replace.

 

I think you need to go to an independent shop. I don't think that dealer has your best interest in mind...unless it was his intent to drive you to someone else.

Carrier bearings growl when bad and you can feel it in the Steering wheel. U joints don't fail from bad carrier bearing. You have to remove the drive shaft, so most places just change the u joints while the drive shaft is out. It's only around $50 for the u joints, so you might as well change them. It's also an easy way for the shop to make a lot of extra money for very little extra time of the mechanic.

Bad wheel bearings can be diagnosed by jacking up the truck and trying to wiggle the wheel. Any slop is going to be a WB or. Tie rod end.

If your truck has greasable u joints( some did not have grease zerks), grease them and see if the chirp goes away.

But I think a second opinion might be the best route for you to take.

Non of those things listed require a Toyota certified mechanic to check.

 

You’ll feel the bearing in the knuckle long before you feel play in the wheel by doing the the “grab and shake” method.

Jack up the truck, spin front tire, and feel the knuckle.

 

TNShooter:

Thank You for your input. Very helpful and greatly appreciate it!

 

koditten:

Well said on the dealer and indeed, they have driven me to go elsewhere.

Excellent information that helps me so much. Thank You!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/350-000-miles.760492

 

Excellent thread, Burrito 782! Just what I was looking for! Thank You!

 

Bearings, carrier bearing, water pump:

normal and not hard

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-replacing-driveshaft-center-bearing.515726/