Rear differential or Axle bearing.

I took my truck into to have it looked through before I drive it all summer. The shop said the the rear differential bearing needs to be replaced. Would this be the pinion bearing? I am somewhat mechanical. I'm trying to get an idea on what it's going to cost and if it's something I could do myself. Has anyone had to replace this on there truck?

 

Why are they saying that the diff bearing needs to be replaced? They are not talking about the rear side axle wheel bearing?

 

If it is a bearing in the differential, I’d opt for a drop in 3rd member from a company like ECGS.
Setting up a gear set isn’t easy if you don’t have the correct tools and knowledge.
https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1065072-assembled-3rds-clamshells-05-15-tacoma.html

I’d make sure they are indeed talking about the differential and not a wheel bearing.

 

I will that confirm that it is a rear wheel bearing.

 

They said rear axle bearing? Would that just be a wheel bearing?

 

If it's the outer one it's not a super big deal but its press fit to the axle so you will need to find someone with a good press to remove and install it to the axle, make sure you change the axle seal while your there.

 

Yes guaranteed it's the outer bearing. That's easy enough to pick up on an inspection. Dm93 is correct. It has to be pressed on. When I did mine I removed the side axle and brought to to a machine shop to get new bearing pressed on. Pressing your own can be dangerous if you don't have the right press and right skill set not to mention if you screw it up you will be replacing it again in short order.

 

Here's the steps from the FSM.

 

That's good. I was just worried it was something in the rear differential but I have had it serviced regularly so I didn't think it would be that. It does make a howling at hi-way speeds so it makes sense that it would be a rear axle wheel bearing.

 

how would they even know that
did they drive it? Did they run it at high speed up on a lift, wheel off the ground?
Or are they just trying to sell you some bullshit

also as for your question on DIY, the answer is simple
when there is a will, there is a way
anything is possible

If you're doing internal differential gear work I'd assume that's the time to also regear while in there

as for wheel bearings
one can generally assume they start to wear, or are worn, by 150k miles
on any vehicle ever

differential bearing seems rare
especially if taken care of with gear oil changes and no factory defects
I have never seen it happen
wheel bearing wear is common
they deal with wheels spinning all the time and forces/impacts from driving

Mercedes has had a solution for this to make their bearings last longer. They are adjustable. You simply take the wheel off and get inside to adjust the lock nut as needed.
Every other vehicle does not have that, and is "a sealed unit".
which means "not designed to be serviceable. Replace when failed"

 

I hope they are being truthful. I have been taking my vehicles to this shop for awhile. My truck has 142K on it. I may have misunderstood what they told me. I had the rear diff serviced at the Toyota dealership 15K miles ago when they did a trans service. I'm hoping there is no issue there and the humming is just a rear axle wheel bearing as others have stated above. Toyota should go the adjustable locknut, that seems like a good solution..