Center Support Bearing Fun!

So after recently having my frame repaired. I have added new shocks, struts an leaf springs. New lower ball joints an tie rod ends and thought I was done but started hearing this occasional creak/clunk normally at lower speeds an finally discovered my Center Support Bearing is almost non existent there is probably 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of play in it. My frame was almost broken in half at the rear leaf spring mount so I suspect that the pressure just ate the bearing up and now I could hear it. So for the purpose of saving me anymore time AND money what else should I check while I am replacing it? Things that may need tightened, cleaned etc while its apart. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Grease the u joints and the CV. Way easier with the driveshaft disconnected. Also pro tip, semi loosely duct tape the slip joint on your driveshaft before you unbolt it, this way it doesn't come apart and you still have enough play to get everything to line up again.

 

I am doing a pretty extensive rebuild on my '97 V6 Taco 4WD 5 speed manual right now. Just bolted a Spicer 211750-1X Center Driveshaft Bearing in yesterday. The OEM Toyota center bearing part number 37230-35130 does interchange with Spicer part number 211750-1X (below). I do think the OEM Toyota 37230-35130 is a better center bearing than the Spicer; it has (2) more seals in it. But that OEM Toyota center bearing is much more expensive than this Spicer. The Spicer bearing is marked "TOYOTA 37235-14011" & was only $66.99 at Summit: Dana Spicer Drivetrain Products 211750-1X Spicer Drivetrain Products Driveshaft Center Support Bearings | Summit Racing. Amazon also has them. My old center bearing also had 1/2-3/4" play in it & the shop that put it on installed it backwards. Jeez! The new Spicer center bearing had zero play in it when installed. To keep a 25-year-old Taco up to speed especially for off-roading, you just have to look at/test everything important. New OEM LBJs are always a good start.


"The Toyota Part number given of 37230-35130 does interchange to Dana/Spicer Center Bearing part number 211750-1x"
By Mike Lamb MANUFACTURER on April 13, 2021

Spicer 211750-1X center bearing is marked "TOYOTA 37235-14011":


As per the FSM, the cutout in center bearing goes to the rear: install bearing, torque to 134ft./lbs., loosen the nut, retorque to 51ft./lbs., then stake the nut.

 

Pictures and video. Grab your phone and video document it. It’ll help during reassembly and if you post it, it’ll help someone else down the road.

 

Sure would be nice to have a lift for this one.

 

Yeah I have the Toyota Bearing on order 200$ and at least its gonna be more solid. By the way mine looks I am not far from metal on metal and hope to god that hasnt happened already.

 

I will see what pics I can get especially if I can get an extra set of hands if not mine are gonna be a tad full lol

 

Cant ya check the spindle bearings play once ya have the driveshaft off? I may be off on my thinking sometimes a little tightening of that 30+mm bolt there can snug that area up or its possible I am thinking a different vehicle all together.

 

Does anyone know what section this is under in the FSM? I have a printed out copy but it has no glossary or reference section. Seem to remember the torque specs being realllly weird for this job.

 

I think this is the page you're probably looking for:

http://www.markofshame.com/fsm/03_Tacoma/Repair_Manual/03tacoma/ss/pr/torspe.pdf

 

Link wont open for me Crusty

 

Here's a screenshot.

 

Ok thats it....thanks man! I knew it was some weird torque loosen then torque again. Gotta love these 100+ pounds of torque then hey loosen it up jobs lol. I sure hope my old ass snap on torque wrench is still calibrated right.

 

What are you referring to as spindle bearings?

 

It was not on this so was my mind combining different vehicles lol.

 

The orientation of the center bearing and the torque sequence can be confusing. The old center bearing on my '97 Taco was installed by a full-time auto repair shop that had been operating for decades. And it was on BACKWARDS! That is the reason I posted the proper orientation and torque sequence above. Make double sure the notch on your pricey new OEM Toyota center bearing is to the rear before you seat it to 134ft./lbs. Once you seat that bearing, it may take a puller to get it back off.

 

don't forget to stake the nut or it will disassemble at an inconvenient time later

 

Yeah I would love to go after market on this but after my recent experience with my Lower Ball Joints with joints an bearings I am gonna stick to Toyota. Spicer seems to be the most mentioned aftermarket bearing of the bunch.

 

Uh oh...looks like someone has some 1st hand knowledge of that tip!! That sounds like a bad day for sure!

 

That is a very good point sir! Reusing the old nut may not be a good idea especially when a new 90179-18009 stake nut is just $2.20.