Rear shocks clunking again - something’s off

While I agree that there shouldn't be movement, I try to stay away from absolute blanket statements like that. That rear bearing fits into the bearing cup without a press, it is possible for the entire bearing to move in and out a bit.

 

https://youtu.be/G4HsvvSWn_o

 

Just listened to your videos. That right bearing is toasted.

 

0.7mm movement is spec.

 

Think it's safe to say we were cautiously heading towards it being a bearing, which was then supported by another very confident affirmation. I very much appreciate all the help.
I have not yet pulled up "how to's". I take it though that this is more difficult than the front wheel bearings?

 

I think it's easier than the front. Provided you have the tools. As usual, Timmy (who's still on a ban? otherwise I would tag him) has a very comprehensive video. But it does require a press, and a few special tools. Not sure if you have a press or not.

 

I do not. Many a time I wished I’d had one, however I managed to complete the job with the loaner tools from auto parts stores. Sometimes I had to get creative. Mix & match, as I did for the lower control arm bushings. Or adapt because the tool was not made for the part model, as in the front wheel bearings….

So many of these are dependent on being able to keep the parts stationary. The UBJ’s were probably the most difficult in this sense. After repeatedly rearranging ratchet straps & many, many unladylike words, I was able to keep the knuckles in place & use a ball joint press.

Anyway, from what I’ve gleaned thus far though, in regards to the rear axle bearing, is macgyveretting with loaner tools may not cut it….

 

It's not a job I'd consider without a press. You might consider pulling the axle shafts and taking them to a machine shop, or find another member nearby with a press and the special tools. The actual press work is pretty quick.

 

Another resource not to be overlooked. Not only details the job but also has a very well done list of parts used and tools. It's definitely something you could do but as previously mentioned it will require some specialty tools. The shop press can will come in handy especially if you're tackling DIY jobs. Bushings, hubs, wheel bearings - quite a bit can be done with it.

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


https://adventuretaco.com/rear-axle-seals-this-time-on-the-tacoma/

 

Is this a good way to go? I want to get something ordered especially since holiday shipping slows stuff down. & it's in a handy kit from a decent seller....
https://lowrangeoffroad.com/2001-2004-tacoma-ultimate-rear-wheel-bearing-kit.html

The seal driver, slide hammer, jaws & axle puller I can loaner. The till is draining especially since I just had a big ticket item, the exhaust.
That said, I did manage to do the front wheel bearings/hubs, ubj’s & others without a press. Definitely not saying this is the case here though. My neighbor, who kindly has given me a key to the kingdom (his garage/tools) has recently happened upon a press, although I’m not sure it’s big enough.
Otherwise maybe I can muster up the courage to ask a neighbor up the street who does lots of vehicle rehab stuff for fun, if he has one. A press that is. Not a key to the kingdom

 

It's not just the press, it's a special tool for the press too.. Looks like both Timmah and Adventure Taco use the same tool. Or you can custom fab one up if that's more your thing. I bought one when I did mine, but I've also used it on a few trucks and even a sequoia since then, so the purchase was justified.

 

You could get a Harbor Freight press and the special tools required for maybe a bit less than paying someone else to do the work, if you are fully confident that you can complete the work - ending up paying someone to finish the job would suck. If you have a machine shop that will just do the pressing for you, that seems like a decent option to just pay for the steps that require tool investment.

 

Thank you. Yes. I did mean to mention that tool as one that would be one I did not have or have access to freely…. Stumbling over wordage.

 

Once I realized I had more than one press job, I pulled the trigger on the harbor freight press. But prior to that, I pulled my front knuckles and dropped them off at a local machine shop to get the front bearings changed. In retrospect, I wish I had gotten the press back then.. But it dropping the knuckles and parts off still saved me a ton of cash vs having a shop do all the work.

 

Pay someone else?!?! Miss all this fun?!?! I mean after what, five pages to finally, maybe, possibly have pinned down said clunk?

Seriously though, I did happen upon some mention of being leery of sourcing out the pressing? Something to do with the seating depth of a seal (I believe it was a seal). @Dirty Pool mentioned this. Or would one do the seals themselves & just have the bearing pressed?

 

I'd love to say go for it (the kit from LR) but can't. Truth is, the companies under that TG umbrella have me seeing red. Won't be ordering from them again anytime soon.

With the holiday coming up, any US based shipping is going to be tough. If its something you can wait on, I'd say order the parts you need from partsouq. Better prices and AIR ship - also may not be constrained by holiday schedules in terms of fulfillment. Plug in your VIN and start looking up part#s.

If you need the job done ASAP, then it might end up being a shop or service dept unfortunately. Will definitely take a hit on $ if paying to have it done.

About that special tool, I have not watched his complete vid but take a look at this -

https://youtu.be/HEHX-vVPVTY

If I had to do the job myself, I'd order the tool @turbodb linked in his writeup and order the parts from partsouq. I already have a 20 ton press from harbor freight. I've used it for hubs/bearings as well as bearings when I rebuilt the transfer case and the front diff. It's definitely paid for itself now.

 

A lot of fuss gets made of the bearing retainer that the axle seal ultimately rides on. However, I am sure that if you explained to whoever was doing the press work to drive that retainer in a particular orientation and to a particular depth, they would be able to do it.

 

I am not sure when one is pushing it too far. Driving with said bearing, that is. I am not grinding, however definitely don’t want to end up being the thing you rarely see, a Tacoma being towed & of course it turning into a way more costly project.

Luckily I don’t have to drive too much right now. I have had a lot of medical appts as of late. With the holidays though, (people on vaca & whatnot) there’s a break in them.

Also, a friend/neighbor who works from home has kindly leant her vehicle to me. I cringe when I drive it. Funny how now I pick up on stuff that’s going on. She’s hoping to unload it soon, so I have only taken care of some basics on it.

Ok. I’ll shut up & get on the ordering. I can’t see me paying someone to do the job.

& although I’m sure I’ll be back with questions, I would like to thank you all for your input. No way I could do this without y’all

 

Yeah, if paying to have the job done I might mention it now, might not. When my passenger side seal failed a few years back, I just took it into the service department and paid toyota to do it. Did I see the vids on it? Sure and I knew at the time it was something I didn't want nor felt capable of doing. Of course today, I'd do it myself. Much more confident in my abilities and have the tools now.

Point I'm trying to make here is, toyota did it and I'm sure they weren't watching tim's video. It's still rock solid and has not leaked again. Will it last for the next 7-10 years? Who knows. For now, its running and I'm not scared shitless that they did not press it on correctly. All good.

 

I was eyeballing a HF press. Mentioned it to my neighbor who said he had permission to use the one at the place he works, so I'm all set there. Just ordered everything.