Rear Axle Bearings

Howdy, 2000 Taco V6, Xtra Cab, 4x4, non-ABS. I have s terrible roaring noise and fluid leaked onto the inside of my driver side rear wheel, so clearly I'm going to be replacing rear axle bearings ASAP. I've been scouring the web and Amazon trying to nail down the right part(s) but all I've done is confuse the hell outta myself. Does anyone have readily available a part number for those reae bearings and seals ans/or any pointers or information that's not readily obvious to an ametuer like me. Aside from the huge press tool I'll need to buy borrow or rent to do the job

Thanks everyone.

 

I am a fairly accomplished amateur mechanic. Replaced stereo & electronics, UCA & LCA, F&R shocks, rear leaf springs, brakes & master cylinder and controller, etc. Rear bearings. It’s not a job I would tackle myself.

 

This is from a 2001 parts diagram.
They should be the same.
You will need parts 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

There are also 4 studs that go through part 10.
They are not shown in the diagram. They are studs that the 4 nuts go on.
The same nuts you take off to remove the axle assembly.
I don't have the part # for them. Some guess beat there's out and re use them. I would NOT myself.

 

Here is a DIY on the 2 Gen trucks.
It's pretty much the same process.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-rear-axle-bearing-seal-replacement.734924/

 

BTW, that job is a PAIN IN THE ASS.
Good luck my friend.

Just replacing the axle seal was a big enough job.
I hope I never have to do a rear bearing.

 

Here is a link to an excellent write up on how to do this job on a first gen. The write up has all the details including part numbers.

https://adventuretaco.com/guide/ste...ring-w-abs-1st-gen-tacoma-or-3rd-gen-4runner/

 

Can't agree more, best write-up out there.

As for the tools, you can save some money with a non-OTC slide hammer kit.

$69 Orion Motor Tech Slide Hammer, 9-Way Internal/External Slide Hammer Puller Set - Pulls Hubs, Rear Wheel Axle Shafts, Bearings, Bushings, Seals, Retainers

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-Motor-Tech-Internal-External/dp/B07V8DLFGL

Also for the seal driver kit,

$27 Orion Motor Tech Bearing Press Kit, 10pc Bearing Race and Seal Driver Set with Seal Driver and 9 Bearing Adapters, Seal Installer Bearing Driver Kit for Bearing Installation, with Blue Case

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DC31TB3

Another option would be to check with the local auto parts store and see if they have either of them available as a 'free' rental (secured by your credit card# of course).

 

Timmy has several excellent videos on this,,,

Toyota Rear Axle Seal/Bearing Replacement (Non-ABS Rearend) - YouTube

Other than a floor press, these are what I had to buy to do these....

Rear Axle Bearing Puller Tool For Toyota 4Runner Tundra Tacoma | eBay

$16 SPEEDWOX 8"es Lock Ring Pliers for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Special Angle Tip Circlip Retaining Ring Pliers Automobile Transmission Clutch Shafts Tool

SPEEDWOX 8 Inches Lock Ring Pliers for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Special Angle Tip Circlip Retaining Ring Pliers Automobile Transmission Clutch Shafts Tool Labor Day Gifts Tool Gift - Amazon.com

 

https://youtu.be/vW25hvODHcs?si=AtEl-Rp7vmieU14U

OP I'd suggest watching this video. It's a great step by step tutorial on the job and the parts list is in the video description (and you can find all your needed part #'s there). He also provides a link to the specialty tool you'll need for the bearing and retainer removal/reinstall.

I've done this job twice (on 2 different vehicles), and both repairs worked and held up great. I've only been wrenching on vehicles over the past 4 years and am far from an expert. I'd highly encourage you to do this job yourself and save loads of money in labor costs.

*Note you will need access to a press for this job. The standard $200 harbor freight 20 ton works great, but a 10 ton would likely do the trick.*

 

Also another great way to save money on this job (as the tools and parts can add up quite quickly), is to use a section of PVC tubing to drive in the seal. Once your axle seal comes in, take it to your local hardware store and by a piece of PVC that is as close to the same diameter. Works perfectly and you hit the PVC with a rubber mallet, and gently drive that seal into place.

 

Hey thanks everyone for all the info, I didnt expect so much do quickly,wow. Very much appreciated. It looks and sounds like I've got my work cut out for me. I'm by no means a professional mechanic but I consider myself mechanical enough to take on jobs like this. I just recently did the trees ad shocks and spring. And then the front shocks, steering knuckles which meant new bearings, brakes all around, UBJs and LBJs. Shout out to Jason (zippsub9) by the way. I purchased my knuckles from him and he had them in my hNs in no time. With beaeings pressed in and upper ball joints installed. It made the entire process far less painfull. And from what I can see and so far feel, the quality is top notch. He did a great job, oh AND he was rad to deal with . Very understanding and accommodating. Highly highly recommend using his services if you need. But yeah again, thanks for all of the input and ofo so quickly everyone. I'll let ys know how it goes

 

The timmy the toolman video is a must. Buy a shop press and the tool O’silver_taco shows and you are good. I did this first time with a cutting torch and second with a press. A lot easier with the press.

 

Would a 6T press suffice? Do we really need the 20T? I’ll get if so that just seems crazy big!

Oh yeah also, what are the chances I'm gonna need to order new axle shafts? Didn't even consider that until someone mentioned it. I haven't seen anyone replacing them in the vids I've watched though?

 

Rear axle seals and bearings don't fail for no reason. To prevent this from happening to your new parts, it is in your best interest to verify that the axle itself was not the root cause of your failure. I already suggested a method you can use to look for runout caused by a bent shaft or flange or even the wheel itself.

A 20 ton press, because of it's size not it's capacity, will make this job much easier. A 20 ton is also useful if you ever have to do the front wheel bearing. That job will require all of its capacity.

 

This is the one I bought......it was on sale and had a $20 off coupon....

So...I think it was $144.....

I did have to elevated it about 6in just for this job......

https://www.northerntool.com/products/strongway-12-ton-hydraulic-shop-press-46270


so as Digiratus says its the size/height that matters....not power.....

 

OK I still haven't made up my mind and I know I need to, like yesterday....my indecisiveness now is fueled by my recently seeing that I could just buy a new axls, with the pre-pressed bearing/hub/drum brake plate. From What I've read it's an immense time saver and it makes the whole process pretty painless. I know it will ultimately cost a little more. My issue and the question I have now is does anyone know the part humber or whatever RI would need to reference whe. Searching Amazon. I've tried countless searches and everyone of them is coming back saying "does not fit your 2000 Tacoma". Thanks for all od your input while I struggle through this people! Much appreciated.

 

To my knowledge, you cannot buy an assembled "rear axle assembly." If you could, it would have to include the rear brake drum, etc.

 

He's confused, I've found complete assembly for 05-15




but for gen 1's I can only find the kit....but not assembled.

 

Fronts are pretty popular to use the already pressed in bearing....

 

They are all over the internet, have you looked? And you are correct, they include the brake and everything. I just cant find on for my 2000, Nonone offered assembled knuckle when I did that recently. Luckily I found Jason Sabat aka zippsub09 and he got me fixed up in no time and the knuckle he prepared and sent me made it a super a easy job. Ihighly recommend you hit him up if you're doing steering knuckles.

I've found the same thing and I guess you've just confirmed it for me. Ugggh not a happy camper here. Where did you find the kit you have pictured?