'02 4WD Front Wheel Bearing Replacement

Hi guys. I'm in the process of upgrading a lot of the components on my '02 Tacoma Double Cab. My new front shocks/springs are in the mail along with new headlights. I've already replaced the rear shocks and added a new rear bumper. My question for this post is the front wheel bearings.

I noticed a month or so ago that I had a squeaking sound coming from the driver front when I made left turns at speed. That noise has since gone away and now I have a low grinding sound constantly when driving. I'm fairly certain that its the wheel bearings that need to be replaced. I've looked all over and can't find any good info on how easy it is to replace these. Basically, I was planning to buy new axle hubs and bearings and take them to my local shop for installation. However, when I look at the FSM diagram, it almost looks as if the bearings are pressed in to the steering knuckle and not the hub. Is that right?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

The bearings are pressed into the knuckles and then the hubs are pressed into them. Not a hard job at all but most aren't equipped with a press strong enough to press out the old ones

 

Ah I see. So if I remove the steering knuckle and hub and take that along with the new bearings/hubs, my shop should be able to press out the old ones and put the new ones in for me correct? Also, would I need new seals, etc? Thanks so much for the help!

 

Anyone know the answer to this??

 

Yes, they should be able to do it. They'll need a press at LEAST 15 ton or greater though.

My old bearings needed almost 40 Ton to bust them loose and about 15 Ton to press them back in.

You'll need new seals as well. Any Toyota dealer will set you up with what you need. They main seal to get is the dust seal for the knuckle. Without that your new bearing will last a couple months if that

 

Ok, good to know. We have a press at work i need to see how much it is rated for.

As for the seals, and the dust seal for the knuckle. I found this link in another thread, are you talking about #8 and #9 on this diagram? https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/p...cleid=190379&diagram=8510205&diagramCallOut=6


Which, if I am not mistaken corresponds to the two Oil Seals shown here on the FSM (one on the back side of the steering knuckle, and the other between the bearing and the hub)?

 

Follow up question. Why does the FSM list the lower ball joint and associated snap ring and dust boot as non-reusable components? Is that over kill?

Also, FSM instructs to remove shock absorber. Does anyone know if that is really necessary?

 

The way I've always done it, is remove the lower ball joint and upper ball joint. Lower is easy. It's just 4 bolts. The upper can be a bitch if you've never had them apart, but it's 100% doable.

And yes 8 and 9 are what I'm talking about. Fresh seals and a fresh OEM bearing and it'll last another 200xxx.

 

Get a new snap ring as well, #10.
Also, I'm sure you are a smart person but be careful if you decide to press them in.
I didn't have much bearing pressing experience and screwed mine up. It was easy to press out the spindles but I didn't properly support the bearing when pressing the spindle and screwed up the new bearings .
Hard lesson to learn. Honestly, it was such a pain I prob wont ever try to press em again. If u do, just be meticulous.

 

Yeah I think I will take it somewhere else unless the price is ridiculous.

For anyone who might search this in the future, I found this helpful video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pws-an6GhYg

 

Would it be cheaper to replace the whole hub or have someone press in new bearings?

 

Here's a thread on wheel bearing replacement.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/national-wheel-bearings-517011-koyo-oe.624768/

Do the inside of your hubs have the big stake nut like this picture? If yes, there is a tool for this listed in my thread above.

 

I have a shop that will press the bearings for me. Been watching videos. I've already replaced my ball joints, which looks like the hardest part of this process. My question is parts. I will double check with the shop in the meantime, but want opinions on here, too.

My list looks like this: 2 bearings, 2 outer seals, 2 inner seals, 2 bearing retainers. My questions are: Do I need new spindle nuts? I'm sure I can find them in town instead of ordering them (M28 x 1.5 mm). Do I need the bearing spacers? The bearing spacers are my biggest question.

Thanks!

 

The best decision I made was to take the knuckle off, bring it to a machine shop and have them do it. I swore a lot less I bet

 

When I was replacing my LBJs, CV axle, axle seals, etc this summer I ended up taking the knuckle to a shop and had them do the bearings. Saved me a ton of time and headaches judging by what I had read about doing it.
I’m all for DIY but this was not a job I had to tools or time to complete.

 

When I replaced my bearings, it was only the bearings and seals. They have been working great. It gave it that new car feel when rolling down the road. The shop did a good job of reusing my existing spindle/stake nut.

I drop off my spindles and get a local shop to do the press work. I just don't have room in my garage for another seldom use item. Note that I did buy and let the shop use the special tool for removing the stake nut.

This might be an effective alternative to the $70 Assenmacher tool. If you have a 4x4 with locking "free wheeling" hubs or a Prerunner.

$18 OEMTOOLS 25969 Toyota 4-Pin Hub Locknut Socket, 1/2 Drive | Remove & Install Locknuts Without Damage | Designed for Extra Durability | Mechanic-Quality Locknut Socket

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-259...D5TZ26CDR76&psc=1&refRID=4ZBWFXJV1D5TZ26CDR76

I guess you have a source for OEM type bearings and seals like Koyo and National?

 

Does an '04 4WD require that 4-pin tool?

 

I don't have manual hubs. There is a button you press on the 2nd stick thing to activate 4WD.

 

No.
It's just for manual hubs. Gone by '04.

 

Correct.

I see different looking hub bearings in this link for an 04. The special tool not required.

https://www.1aauto.com/toyota-lexus...MI_bPundiz5gIVEr7ACh364Qp4EAQYASABEgK2H_D_BwE