Tacoma wheel bearing and hub

Im replacing the front wheel bearing and hub on my Taco and I ordered a full hub/bearing pre-pressed assembly.

When it got delivered it came with what Im assuming is an extra metal ring/seal, but it was damaged. Im wondering if this is actually an extra part and I dont really need it right now...see the photo below, thats the ring. Anyone know for sure?

 

That’s the seal on the back of the knuckle between it and the cv.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Could I potentially leave the old one in? Or is it best to swap it out. maybe a dumb question but Im new to this.

 

Best to swap it, but if there’s no signs of water getting to the bearing you can leave it.

 

You don't need to change it if it's not leaking. This will also make the job faster.

 

You should have gotten that seal and a large O-ring.

The o-ring goes on the hub. And the metal seal goes in the rear of the knuckle.

I disconnected the lower ball joint mount bolts (2 of them). Then disconnect the tie rod (1 nut). Pull out on the bottom of the knuckle. Spin the knuckle towards the the front of the truck. You’ll see the metal seal. I used a small wood chisel to get the old seal started out. Then used a large screw driver the pry it the rest of the way out. In reality it only takes about 10-15 mins longer? Maybe?

I did replace the seal once, the other time I didn’t.
If you haven’t replaced the seal before, now is a good time.
Your’s are almost 12 years old now.

 

Here the seal.
It goes in from the back side.
The CV Axle slide INTO it.

 

This info is amazing! Thank you all so much. I will be replacing. Thanks for the photos too!!

 

OP what brand do you go with? I went with the beck/arnley about 18 months/15k ago and so far so good. I replaced both fronts. I did keep the OEM ones thinking I would send out for rebuild some time.

 

I used the old one when I did my bearing. No leaking, still going down the road no problems. And I agree with you on Beck Arnley. Never had an issue with their parts. HEADS UP - When you use a hammer to tap off the old bearing, put something on the ground to catch the bearing so it doesn't go crashing into the pavement.

 

I replaced mine with NAPA and also kept my old ones. Are there places that will rebuild them?

 

I went with the dorman brand because the guy at the parts shop said they’re good. Problem is after I bought it I’ve been reading online to stay away from dorman ‍♂️

 

Yes, there is a tw member that presses out the old bearing and rebuilds with oem bearings. Ship door to door.

 

That's great advice. Like buying white box made-in-china stuff made right here in the us

 

They are prolly all made in the same place

 

Mine was pretty shot
Napa parys worked fine

 

I didn't replace my inner seals when I did mine. I've boogered a few of these up in my day and my old ones looked fine. I just smeared a little grease on them and reused the stock ones. I now have two spares....

 

I am about to do front hubs as well, I am aware of the seal that goes onto the back side of the knuckle but I also see a seal on the cv shaft. Is it advisable to replace both or just one?

 

You should replace both.

I didn’t and probably never will, unless I install a new axle.
New axles come with them already installed.

Again you should, and most shops won’t warranty the work or hub assembly unless do.
And that’s 100% understandable. Because water intrusion kills bearings.
And both seals help keep water out.

But, like I said. I’m the one paying for it and doing the install.
So it’s all on me if I have premature failure due to water.
And I can live with that.

 

Are the bearing assembly from Rock Auto any good? I always hear conflicting stories about the quality with over the counter or online parts store bearings