Since we'll be towing with the 97 this summer and I haven't a clue how the previous owner maintained them, I repacked the rear wheel bearings. Amazing how quickly this job can go.
Since I recently filled the rear diff with $40 worth of Mobil 1, I hit on a solution to avoid losing it. Simply jacked each rear wheel in turn all the way to the top of my jack while I worked on it. Worked - The axle housing tip was above the gear oil level.
Just like the 93 at 90,000 miles, the rear axle seal had worn enough that gear oil basically washed the bearings clear of grease. The wheel bearings on this 97 at 137,000 looked perfect and I could tell they were untouched as the Toyota yellowish clear factory grease was still packed between them in the cavity. In fact, they clearly would have run perfectly contentedly like this for another 100,000 miles. But I wanted grease in there for the pressure rating gear oil won't provide. Spindles were absolutely perfect, where my 93 had some scoring from the bearings - likely because I towed with it a lot before repacking them.
Skipped altogether the fish scale thing and simply set up the bearings by feel. Looked great with fresh red Mobil 1 packed in everything. With only 2 seals and 1 paper gasket per side, this service cost me a whopping $45 plus a half tub of M1 grease. I have no doubt the dealer price on this service would be $300.
Thanks to Cdan for the correct parts first time every time, and ScottM for use of his rear bearing locknut tool! Finally ready for tow season.
DougM
Since I recently filled the rear diff with $40 worth of Mobil 1, I hit on a solution to avoid losing it. Simply jacked each rear wheel in turn all the way to the top of my jack while I worked on it. Worked - The axle housing tip was above the gear oil level.
Just like the 93 at 90,000 miles, the rear axle seal had worn enough that gear oil basically washed the bearings clear of grease. The wheel bearings on this 97 at 137,000 looked perfect and I could tell they were untouched as the Toyota yellowish clear factory grease was still packed between them in the cavity. In fact, they clearly would have run perfectly contentedly like this for another 100,000 miles. But I wanted grease in there for the pressure rating gear oil won't provide. Spindles were absolutely perfect, where my 93 had some scoring from the bearings - likely because I towed with it a lot before repacking them.
Skipped altogether the fish scale thing and simply set up the bearings by feel. Looked great with fresh red Mobil 1 packed in everything. With only 2 seals and 1 paper gasket per side, this service cost me a whopping $45 plus a half tub of M1 grease. I have no doubt the dealer price on this service would be $300.
Thanks to Cdan for the correct parts first time every time, and ScottM for use of his rear bearing locknut tool! Finally ready for tow season.
DougM
means (no reference points yet - never worked on cars). I used to repack bicycle bottom brackets, hubs, pedals, headsets for, well, a living - so I actually understand what Doug is talking about.
