I need to replace the inner diff seal on the long side and while in there was wondering if I should replace the knuckle bearings? Do these go bad very often? Looking for advice on whether or not to do it while in there.
How often do the knuckle bearings go bad? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter slambson
- Start date
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By "diff seal" I guess you mean the seal at the end of the axle shaft?
If yes then yes you should do a complete knuckle job and do the trunion and kingpin bearings. They are really inexpensive.
On my truck (at the time with 72K miles) the knuckle bearings did have some slight wear on them.
The wheel bearings on the other hand cost a little more and you can skip them if they look ok. They are easy to get at later so no big deal. The knuckle bearings on the other hand are tough to get at (and cheap) so the general practice of everyone here is to replace them.
Riley
If yes then yes you should do a complete knuckle job and do the trunion and kingpin bearings. They are really inexpensive.
On my truck (at the time with 72K miles) the knuckle bearings did have some slight wear on them.
The wheel bearings on the other hand cost a little more and you can skip them if they look ok. They are easy to get at later so no big deal. The knuckle bearings on the other hand are tough to get at (and cheap) so the general practice of everyone here is to replace them.
Riley
tucker74
Moderator
If you're going to tear it all the way down to get the inner axle seals you might as well replace them. Believe me - you're not going to want to go back in there for a while...and you'll already have the knuckles off anyway 
Tucker
Tucker
If nothing else, they need to be repacked while you're in there. If your 80 is like most, it's probably never had the $1000 Toyota front end service done and the knuckle bearings are toast.
Mine top bearings were literally melted. 3-4 rollers on each side.
Made a BIG difference in drivability when replaced and everything was fresh.
Use Toyota oil seals (diff fluid seal) and I like the Toyota hub/wipers/etc. but you should probably replace them all while you're in there.
Mine top bearings were literally melted. 3-4 rollers on each side.
Made a BIG difference in drivability when replaced and everything was fresh.
Use Toyota oil seals (diff fluid seal) and I like the Toyota hub/wipers/etc. but you should probably replace them all while you're in there.
When I swapped front housings at 90-odd K miles both of my lowers were hammered. I recommend replacement, you do not want to go back in for at least another 60k.
