Need help with backing plate replacement

Hey everyone, I just bought a ‘03 extended TRD. It came with new uninstalled bilsteins and oem backing plates for the rear. The struts are straight forward but I couldn’t find much on the rear backing plate replacement.

Do you all have any pointers or a DIY that I’m not seeing?

 

You have to remove the axle shaft and the rear bearings.
The backing plate sits between the bearing and axle.
Once you remove the bearings, you don’t reuse them.
You need a press, and a jig to install the new bearings.

I would suggest calling around and asking a few local shops what they would charge to press off/on the new bearings. That job SUCKS…..

 

I would search Timmah the Toolman videos for the one that describes how to replace axles. Some good tips there. I think there are other ones about things on the rear end too. No time to search them for you though.

 

What do the existing backing plates look like?

 

good to know what I’m getting into so I can prepare myself with extra time and some rescue remedy! Thank you

Ok great thanks for the direction, I’ll check him out!

Pretty rusty. I have my first PA inspection coming up on Friday so I’m patching myself up for what they say. I’ll post a pic when I get home.

 

After pressing the old bearings off not installing new ones would not be cost effective..

Op don`t forget to send the new backing plates along. Might not be a bad idea to get new hardware that holds the backing plate secure. Being in Pa if they were never off before.

The rear bearings are not bad the front are a royal pain. Then maybe I have not changed enough.

 

I am lucky if the inner race comes off.
I’ve had to cut them off.

Like you said, reusing them is a bad idea.
That’s IF they come off in one piece.

 

so what are we talking here like air chisel or a bearing puller?

 

OP. I’m not saying you should.
But a pipe the right diameter and a bit of persuasion with a BFH can be used in place of a press. But that is the “wrong way” to do it.

But……Like I’ve been told.
If you don’t do it right, it can’t be wrong

 

Like a die grinder with cut off wheel
It’s is sketchy, but it works. And you need to be Careful!

Then use a chisel to do the rest.

 

Depends at least a decent press and some tooling to press the old bearings off. Really you press the axle out of the bearing.

If the bearing has exploded Oxy- Fuel torch with very good hand .

 

These bearings aren’t too bad. They’re single races too. Won’t get stuck. (Which is why even new they have slight play) the biggest thing is making sure the retainer and AB’s ring is pressed far enough and not too far if your truck has the abs rings on the shaft

 

Ok thanks I’ll pay close attention to that part.

I’m grateful for all of the speedy responses and support!