Had anyone replaced their front backing plates?

My front backing plates are looking really crusty, a few pieces have broken off already. I’m wondering what kind of a job it is and what all has to be pulled to replace them?

My inspection is good for another year, but I’m betting they will be complete trash by then. I’d rather replace them at my leisure.

 

You have to remove the wheel bearing assembly to do it, so its best to wait or do them at the same time.

If rusted the bearing will need to be hammered out anyway, rendering it garbage.

Basically its, remove caliper, rotor, hub nut (35mm) 4 17mm bolts, remove hub/bearing combo, boom. Backing plate falls off.

 

So if my backing plate is that rusty, I’m guessing the bearing will be stuck too. If I’m going to pull wheel bearings, I’d hate to put the old ones back in or my luck, it will fail a week later.

 

Yup, do it all at once.

 

What brands of Wheel Bearing Hub Assemblies would you recommend?

 

I've never installed a preassembled before, I work at a dealer so I do mostly oem, but otherwise Koyo brand bearings.

Out of the ones on rockauto? SKF all day.

 

I’ve never seen a bad review on the ones that @05Taco4x4 sells here on the forum
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheel-bearings-hubs-press-service-4x4.537080/

 

Just vouching for quality of @05Taco4x4 's press service.

Can't beat it.

When you replace your plates consider coating them before you do. I primed and POR-15'd, as I live in Salt Hell. If I'd had time I would have had them powdercoated. The factory e-coating even on OEM is extremely thin and tender.

 

Be sure to torque the axle nut to the correct spec. 173 FT LBS.

 

the fronts are just dust shield not really considered backing plates, the caliper mounts to the steering arm. Unless your bearings need changing I’d just leave them alone or cut them off if they’re rusty and replace when you replace the wheel bearings.