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How much play should be in the Drive Shaft Center Support Bearing?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by NiceGuyEddie, Apr 21, 2023.

  1. Apr 21, 2023 at 7:53 AM
    #1
    NiceGuyEddie

    #1
    NiceGuyEddie [OP] Well-Known Member

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    a.jpg b.jpg c.jpg


    Recently I've had a vibration in 2nd gear (only), and also a clicking sound when coming to a stop. I don't think the click is coming from brake pad knock-back.

    I finally crawled under the truck and the drive shaft easily moves up 1/4", although it's not THAT loose.

    The shaft does not seem to be 100% centered in the hole, but I'm not sure. It may be down a little bit.

    Videos on YouTube changing it out show TRASHED Drive Shaft Center Support Bearings so I'm not sure if mine is OK.

    I live in LaLa Land and after 200K the truck is in pretty much perfect condition, but I don't imagine environmental factors affect premature wear on this part.
     
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2023
    NiceGuyEddie, Apr 21, 2023
    #1
  2. Apr 21, 2023 at 8:03 AM
    #2
    deanosaurus

    #2
    deanosaurus Caveman

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    There should be a little play (it's flexible rubber) but that one does look a little saggy at least to me. If you can push it "up" more than 1/4 or 3/8" it's probably time to change it. Neither expensive nor difficult, and a good opportunity to grease your driveshaft splines while it's out.
     
    deanosaurus, Apr 21, 2023
    #2
  3. Apr 21, 2023 at 8:08 AM
    #3
    NiceGuyEddie

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    NiceGuyEddie [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I guess I can buy a new one and see how "solid" it is - so what fails here? The rubber or the bearings inside?
     
    NiceGuyEddie, Apr 21, 2023
    #3
  4. Apr 21, 2023 at 8:10 AM
    #4
    deanosaurus

    #4
    deanosaurus Caveman

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    Typically it's the rubber. OEM is by far the best (unless you want to do an IEDLS Ranger bearing, not a drop in replacement). There are other options but general consensus is that the cost vs lifetime curve for OEM is superior.
     
    deanosaurus, Apr 21, 2023
    #4
  5. Apr 21, 2023 at 8:19 AM
    #5
    NiceGuyEddie

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    NiceGuyEddie [OP] Well-Known Member

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    NiceGuyEddie, Apr 21, 2023
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  6. Apr 21, 2023 at 8:44 AM
    #6
    deanosaurus

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    deanosaurus Caveman

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    Sometimes. My go-to for factory parts is Olathe Kansas - https://parts.olathetoyota.com/
     
    deanosaurus, Apr 21, 2023
    #6
    2WD likes this.
  7. Apr 21, 2023 at 8:45 AM
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    Steelhead Bum

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    Steelhead Bum Well-Known Member

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    Likely but always a possibility of a fraud. Bet you can find a better price by searching around online dealers.
     
    Steelhead Bum, Apr 21, 2023
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  8. Apr 21, 2023 at 8:50 AM
    #8
    TenBeers

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    TenBeers Well-Known Member

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    Yeah.
    RockAuto sells SKF and Dana/Spicer. Likely the OEM one is a Dana/Spicer.
     
    TenBeers, Apr 21, 2023
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    hoffengineering likes this.
  9. Apr 21, 2023 at 9:40 AM
    #9
    BigCountry762x39

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    BigCountry762x39 Well-Known Member

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    Dont buy a cheap Amazon $20 bearing. I got one because mine was pretty beat up at 180k and needed a replacement. and i got it next morning. if you jump on the gas from a stop light that driveshaft vibrates and bangs around so hard.
     
    BigCountry762x39, Apr 21, 2023
    #9
  10. Apr 21, 2023 at 11:04 AM
    #10
    Elikk

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    Elikk Well-Known Member

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    I just swapped out mine a few weeks ago, at 200k km. The driveline got noticeably smoother and power delivery smoothed out as well.
     
    Elikk, Apr 21, 2023
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    Naveronski likes this.
  11. Apr 21, 2023 at 11:18 AM
    #11
    Elikk

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    Elikk Well-Known Member

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    Mine was spicer that I got from ebay, it even had the toyota stamp on it.
     
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    Elikk, Apr 21, 2023
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Toyota Center Support Bearing - 37230-0K030
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