Wheel Bearing Replacement

Tacomaworld,

I have a 2004 Prerunner (2wd).

I'm going to replace both front wheel bearings soon. I'm starting to get a faint scraping/grinding noise from the Drivers Front wheel.

Has anyone used the methodology used in this video with OEM tools only? No hydraulic press.

https://youtu.be/qkruGLj0n9c

Any advice is appreciated!

Grant

 

I recommend buying Koyo bearing. In my honest opinion, take them to a shop. Around here, it's $45 buck each side. Save the headache and time, no specialty tool to buy, and knowing they're done correct is more important to me.

 

Yes, You'll need a good vise and a big crescent wrench.

Assuming the shop knows how to do it correctly.

 

That concept apply more to DIYers. Assuming they can do it correctly. I rather go to a well known shop that have all the correct tools vs watching video and guesstimate with substitute tools.

Ton of guys I know, myself included had ours done at Marlin Crawler for $45 buck each side, no issue for years now.

 

Yep, I can't pull links but I'm sure if searched a thread or two from recent posts would turn up of someone who had their bearings botched by a 'shop'.


@gclyne, I've come across a few vids of people using that tool as well. It sure does look easier than a press. If you don't have the room for a shop press then it might be the route to go. One thing to consider is that OEMTools hub extractor is just as, if not more expensive than the 20 ton HF Shop Press.

I bought the shop press specifically for the knuckles/hubs/bearings when I was doing the 4WD swap on the PreRunner. Glad I did, I also used the thing for bearing press work with the transfer case and the front differential. So yeah, it definitely comes in handy to have. Hell, I even used it to press out the front bushing on the OEM leaf pack (I was bored lol). If you go the shop press route, I suggest picking up a press sleeve kit. Having additional resources to pair with it is a must. Amazon has a couple of press plates to choose from as well.

Good luck with your bearing replacement. Cheers!

 

At 16:27 in the video above, the guy states that there is no front or back to the bearing. That is not the case with the KOYO DU5496-5 bearing used on my 4WD V6 Taco with manual hubs. The 2WD Prerunner looks to use the same bearing. The black seal on the KOYO bearing goes to the inside while the shiny metal shield/seal goes to the outside. If done backwards like the last shop that pressed my KOYO bearings, there is no way to set or maintain proper preload of the bearing and the hub assembly has no water resistance. The "backwards" FW bearings failed after just 2 years while correctly installed FW bearings normally last me 10 years. Make sure to do it right or get it done correctly the first time. Link to thread where I found the KOYO FW bearings press in backwards: Front Wheel Bearings on '97 V6 TACO 4WD 5 speed w Manual hubs | Tacoma World

The excellent KOYO DU5496-5 JAPAN bearing is top shelf & has been sold as OEM TOYOTA, NATIONAL, and several other brands. Check to be sure what bearing you are actually buying.

Timmy addresses proper KOYO DU5496-5 bearing orientation at 26:00 in his video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj-2IzO9RFk

 

Here is OTC's version of that tool in action - OTC Hub Grappler

https://youtu.be/qXCf9u9KAS8?t=867

 

Autozone and Orielys rents the tool.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nuckle-swap.786163/#post-28127220

 

If you don't have room for a press buy that tool. That's the route I intend to go here soon due to lack of space.