CV AXLE

Should there be any in/out play on cv axle of my Tacoma. Was doing routine maintenance and noticed the left side seems to have some up and down in and out play.

 

Yes, movement is normal.
The left (driver) tends to have more than the passenger side.
If it’s not leaking, not making any noises, and you have no vibrations leave it alone.



At some point you make get vibrations, the fix is to pull the needle bearing and replace it with a solid bushing. If you have, or ever do lift the truck, you might as well do the bushing.

Until then, change the diff fluid regularly and keep driving it.

 

When you say needle bearing are you referring to inside the diff where the CV slides in?

 

Yes, that is the one.

 

Where can you get this solid bushing from?

 

It doesn’t leak or anything just never seen one have an up and down movement

 

ECGS

 

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

Most all of them have some play.
If you search this forum, many people ask the same question.
I’ll admit, it seems like a lot compared to other CV Axles, but it seems to work.
The main “flaw” is the needle bearing.

 

Are those bearings hard to change? I seen on the link you sent they used a special tool.