How To: Replacing Carrier Bearing

@TacomaJPP, thanks for the writeup, I got to reference several times last weekend.

 

Alright, got this job done last weekend. Replaced CB and U-joints at th e transfer case and rear differential. Cleaned up everything real good with a pressure washer and cleaner. greased up everything (6 total zerks) and got it back together. Also replaced the transmission mount while I was under there. It is much smoother now! Drives like a new truck. Although the U-joints were dirty as hell, they actually seemed to still be in pretty good shape. Now, the CB and Transmission mounts on the other hand were both shot! Which brings me to my main issue:

I replaced the CB in the same orientation as I took it out. Problem is, looks like it was replaced before and incorrectly. So therefore MY CB IS BACKWARDS!! I realized all this afterwards when I finally decided to pull out the FSM and take a look for torque values. I looked at the old CB and IMHO I do not think it matters that it is backwards. But looking for other opinions. It's an old truck and not my daily so I guess I will be a real life test lol. Here are some picture:

 

Are Spicer carrier bearing any good? I hear they make the OEM one, and it says on their site that the one for my truck is made in Japan so that leads me to think so. Also, what is the part number for the transmission mount? I have a 2004 2.7L 5 speed.

 

Spicer bearings are very good. My understanding is they make the OEM one - I know they made my driveshaft.

 

1st gen OE bearing is Koyo, says so right on the bearing. Many folks have good luck with both Spicer and Timken.

There is an "alignment" step for these things most folks seem to skip. Note where it says "unloaded".


The "bearing center line" is the joint between two halves of the bearing/seal housing. Looks like a groove when looking thru the little hole. Is this important? Good question, I can say it is simple and takes 5 seconds to do.

 

If you dont wanna pay dealer prices, Spicer pn#

$100 211750-1X Center Bearing

211750-1X is stamped Toyota. Approximately $77 shipped from Drivetrain America.

 

I've been reading this writeup while preparing to swap my u-joints as well as my CB and I've run into a question.

In all the pictures I've seen here and in my Haynes book the rear driveshaft(front to back) has a u-joint at the transfer case, then the CB, then the double cardan, then a u-joint at the rear axle but on my truck it is different.

My truck has a u-joint at the transfer case, then the CB, then a u-joint, then the double cardan at the rear axle. Can anyone tell me why this is? I have a 1997 extracab 4x4

 

On first look, the drive shaft segment between the rear axle and CB looks backwards.

 

I had considered that but was hoping that wasn't the case. I bought the truck in September of 16 so it's been like that for at least 2 years and there's no telling what the previous owners did

If it is indeed backwards should I switch it back? How do I get the orientation right if I do? This u-joint job just got more interesting

 

I believe it is backwards, unless they changed something between the years, doubtful. Slip yolk should by by your third member, double cardon by the cb

 

What gen Tacoma and 2wd or 4wd did you get this one for? I think this is what the shop put on my truck instead of the Spicer 5002007. Any issues/noises?

 

1st gen 2004 4x4

 

Getting ready to do this in the next few weeks. Mine's been squeaky for a year or two but has gotten substantially worse in the past few months. Going with a spicer bearing and buying some tools to get it done.

Is it better to pack that rubber housing with silicone? I read the whole thread and I've seen people mention it, but haven't heard if it helps with the longevity or anything.

 

No. You bought a good quality unit. Just plug and play.

 

I need to replace the center bearing on my truck, a 1996 Tacoma 4WD Acces Cab. After reading through this tread and online reviews, I want to go with a Spicer CB however I am not 100% sure which part number to order.

Will the

$100 Spicer 211750-1X Center Bearing

https://www.amazon.com/Spicer-211750-1X-Center-Bearing/dp/B00GAPFD2E fit? If not, does anyone know the Spicer CB part number for this truck?

 

That’s what I bought. I’m replacing mine this weekend. I don’t have 4WD, but I don’t think it’s different between 2WD and 4WD.

 

Took me a lot longer to do this than I would have thought.

Anyway, got the spicer bearing in. My squeaking hasn’t changed though. I still have an intermittent squeak in reverse and a constant squeak when in drive below 20mph.

Can the u joints cause squeaking noises? Not sure what else could be causing it. I should have planned on replacing them at the same time.


OH. Also how big of a deal is it if I didn’t restate that nut? I torqued down on it really hard but didn’t want to stake it in case I had vibrations and needed to pull it apart again. Think it will be a big deal if I wait to stake it when I do the u joints?

Edit 11/19
It's my double cardan joint making the noises since it's going bad.

 

Read up a few posts, its what I used. Drivetrain America told me it would fit. Amazon says it doesnt, but dont trust their auto advice lol.

 

Just replaced my carrier bearing on the Taco with a spicer. Easy job, but I noticed that the bearing had some play when installing. It could be installed all the to either side in the mounting bracket, probably 1/4 either way. It could end up skewed too. I made sure to install it centered while eyeballing to make sure it was not skewed. No vibrations or squealing after install. All contact surfaces were wire brushed and coated with anti seize paste.

 

Sounds normal. I could install mine crooked too, and it had a little play after install. Going on 10-15k trouble free miles since I did mine.