Needle bearing

I just figured out the needle bearings are bad on my 2019 Tacoma (thought it was a wheel bearing). Been driving on it for probably close to 1000 miles now. I ordered replacement bushing not bearing. Should be here in a week. My question is, should I park the truck till the repairs can be made or is good to keep driving? Probably average 20 miles a day.

 

I'm curious, how'd you figure out it was the needle bearing?

 

Lifted the front of truck spun the tire and could clearly hear the bearing, also if you grab the cv axle at the diff there will be excessive play.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/needle-bearing-yes-replace-it-ecgs.716338/

 

You are fine to keep driving

 

Well my thought was if the needle bearing sits toward the outside of the diff and splines of the cv axle are behind that, I can’t see how anything could get past the axle to get into the differential. Anyone have any thoughts on that logic, or am I way off in left field somewhere with that thinking?

 

You maybe. The diagnostic procedure as I have heard on this forum is to put the vehicle into 4WD Hi and if the noise goes away it is the bearing.

 

Technically. The needles could get into the differential.
The back of the race would need to break. And the then the needle “could” migrate out and into the the space between the carrier and spider gear.

But in reality. That almost never happens.
I’ve never seen it happen.

I have seen guys break the race when installing the removal tool.
I am one of them….

As for driving it.
This is the internet. Someone will be along shortly to tell you my advice below is bad.

But I think you will be fine.
There have been guys drive a long time on a bad needle bearing.
I was one of those too. And I was also not the only one.

Do what you think is best.
Me? I’m driving it.

 

I only “have” to drive 13 miles a day, take kids to school go to work etc. I tend to agree, and think it will be ok for 3-5 more days until the new part arrives.