8 bearings in TWO YEARS

Fording a river has never been harsh in the past. That is why we have 4 wheel drive. The vehicle is built for that. Have they started building Tacomas like newer 4runners, to not be functional?

 

I have been taught differently. Every time you go through deep water that submerges the axles you subject them to possible water intrusion. Many recommend that the differential fluids be inspected after each such occurrence. Same for other parts like bearings, transfer cases, etc. Search around and I think you'll find the same.

ETA: This has nothing to do with Tacomas or 4WD, it's true for ALL vehicles.

 

I never had a car including, tacoma, 4runner, land cruiser, tundra, plymouth minivan, ford f-250, jeep, or pathfinder ever experience a bearing issue? Crossing a river should not be a worry or problem, just work! Something else could be to blame, thoughts?

 

Curious if any of you guys use your Tacoma in off road conditions daily and what problems you have had if you do? Not mocking just wanting thoughts, because I do use my truck daily and understand most folks don't.

I have stock parts

 

Lucky I suppose, I've done the same in the past and been lucky.

Look towards the end of each result about what to do after crossing deep water:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=4wd+maintenance+after+deep+water+crossing

 

So.... Vehicles are not able to cross water puddles or rivers anymore? Why can't they build them like they did a few years ago? This isn't deep water it is simply crossing standard water! I guess too people who "mud" it is crazy fun wild times, I am simply cutting hay after crossing some water which I have done for 20 years.

There is something going on with this newer truck, am I the only one that has used 4 wheel drive on a Tacoma?

 

You are driving through water 1/2 way up the doors and wondering why your wheel bearings are failing? Lets just say that the problems from this won't be restricted to wheel bearings. Get a boat, then go trolling it it.

 

Diff breather mod ?

 

Curious if any of you guys use your Tacoma in off road conditions daily and what problems you have had if you do? Not mocking just wanting thoughts, because I do use my truck daily and understand most folks don't.

Why mock a serious question???? I love Tacos. Sorry we have integrity issues, I wish I didn't!

-Hugh, give me a call 760-7052

 

I don't use my Tacoma on harsh work sites I frequent, but we do use Ram 2500s and F250s and they eat wheel bearings and brake pads for lunch in the bumper deep mud and water we subject them to daily. I suspect the Tacoma would be no different.

 

Why do I have no other vehicle with bearing problems?
None of my other work rigs cause monetary damage, they do the job!

 

Has the OP done the diff breather mod for these frequent water crossings ?

 

Curious if any of you guys use your Tacoma in off road conditions daily and what problems you have had if you do? Not mocking just wanting thoughts, because I do use my truck daily and understand most folks don't.

Why mock a serious question???? I love Tacos. Sorry we have integrity issues, I wish I didn't!

-Hugh, give me a call 760-7052

 

I don't think he's addressed that yet, maybe you should ask him.


OP: How have your alignments been? Are you having to replace the same bearing each time? Or has it been different at wheels?

 

I'm in a similar situation, driving wise: In the winter I need to go through water twice daily because the access road to my place gets flooded. The water is usually higher than the axles (yes, I have the diff breather mod). I also need to use 4wd everyday to get up my driveway. I also drive lots of dirt roads, sometimes loaded to the limit (or more, oops).
However, I just passed the 100k miles mark and I'm still on the original bearings. Only just now the passenger side front is starting to make noises and will need to be replaced.
So from my experience I have to say that the truck is holding up well.
Something seems not right with your situation... As others have suggested, check if all seals got replaced when they fixed the bearings.
Or maybe the dealer is not tightening the axle nut correctly?

 

Toyota went to sealed bearings which are geared towards people who don't do much except pickup chicks at the mall. In order for those bearings to survive your water crossings they need to be
A. Maintained with 173 ft preload (I would say check every 3000 miles like old school Toyota's)
B. when installed filled with grease to the brink.
Your mechanics are not doing correct job. Do it yourself.

 

I call troll

 

I doubt. I can see how he would keep replacing wheel bearings if he does constant water crossing.
Very few make the proper installation of wheel bearing and even when it comes from factory those bearings have little protection for constant water runs.

 

Useless post

Derp

Yes. Before my engine let out I was in mud every weekend and fording high water on every possible occasion.

I had one wheel bearing go out at approx 70k. I chose to replace both and I was lucky I did. The other one was on it's way out. I did all the work myself except removal of the hub from the old bearing and pressing the new bearing on the hub. I don't have a press. Cost was $20 per side for NAPA machine shop. I contribute the failure to water, sand, and mud infiltration. I am continually in sugar sand, mud, and water. The seals looked bad when I replaced them.

IMO the dealer is not repacking the bearings with a quality bearing grease or they are not replacing the seals. Either would attribute to your issues. I currently have approx 20k on my new bearings with no issues. I took the time to clean every seal seat before replacing them which I'm pretty sure no Toyota tech is doing.

X2....

 

I just find it hard to believe that he's crossing 2 to 3 feet of water daily and wheel bearings are his only issue. I could be wrong though.