2nd gen runner rear axle bearings

[Cube Dweller]

Getting ready to replace the bearings on the rear axle shafts on a '95 runner rear, with ABS. Bearings are a little rough so I thought while I've got it all apart I would replace them and have a few worry free years.

I can buy the bearings for $50-$75 per side, some w/ the collars, some w/out. Figure $15 per collar.

Local machine shop wants $65 per axle to remove the old bearing and press on the new one. I just can't pay that, I used to be a machinist, but I don't have a press. I can almost buy a harbor freight 12 ton press for $125-$150. I would weld up a frame to hold the shafts safely while pressing the bearings on. Cutting the old ones off is easy.

Questions:

1. Would you bother replacing the bearings or just run them till they fry? Like I said my inclination is to replace them, but if I have to pay for everything, it will be a $250 job.

2. Will a 12 ton HF press generate enough force to press the bearings and collars on? I'm pretty sure it will force the collars on, I don't know if the bearings are an interference fit and if so, by alot or a little. My guess is slight interference so the inner races don't spin on the shafts, but if it was a strong intereference you wouldn't need the collars. Toyota put those there for a reason.

3. Does the ABS sensor survive the installation of new bearings?

Thanks in advance.

tony

 

[Jetboy]

I have had both go bad on the rear of an 84, there is no abs but other than that they are very similar. They both went at 240K miles and were the original bearings, so it depends on the mileage, I also ran 35's so that increases the loads on them. If you know someone who has a ford 9" press they are very similar and can be used on that type of press.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I pressed new bearings onto a Tacoma rear axle by dropping a 6" piece of 2" tubing from the top of the shaft. The 2" tube fit the shaft perfectly and drove the bearing down smoothly and uniformly. Was very easy and took about 5 minutes per side...

Ary

 

[burger]

Heat the bearing in an oven and you might be able to slip it over the shaft. Try in the oven on like 500.

 

[tonkota]

Just pay for them to do it. Those things are on there tight. Heating the bearing to 500 isn't a good idea. They are sealed units right? 500 would melt all the grease out and the seals may melt.

I tried to do the ones on my 85 mini and after a bit, I just bit the bullet and paid to have the bearings removed and pressed on.

 

[KLF]

Heat the bearing in an oven and you might be able to slip it over the shaft. Try in the oven on like 500.

Make sure you buy 2 sets of bearings if you do this, cause you'll ruin the first set, they're sealed bearings, and 500 degs will melt the seals.

A 12 ton press will have no trouble pressing the collars or bearings off and the new ones back on. I use a jig I made from an old axle housing to pull them off:

 

[Cube Dweller]

Thanks for all the feedback. I bought a bearing seperator at Harbor Frieght for $10. A friend doesn't need his 12 ton press so he's going to store it at my house.

Wish me luck.

 

[4rnr]

I just did mine. The abs sensor is in the top of the carrier, so dont worry about that. As far as pressing them dont worry about having enough force I know alot of people who have replaced these things with no press. They just use some very forceful creativity.

 

[Cube Dweller]

Thanks. Only difference for mine though is I am installing a '95 axle housing and axles as part of a Taco elocker retrofit. ABS triggers are on the axles on the 95.