New Rear Bearings vs Used Rear Axles

[Zarasa]

I've spent the last few hours reading and researching how to replace the rear axle bearings on my GX. Local dealer quoted $2100. Trusted local mechanic quoted $1500 which seems a little high.

I'm mechanically inclined, I have access to a friend's shop with a hydraulic lift, tools, press, etc and my friend who is a gearhead will help. New Koyo hub assemblies are ~$300 and the puller tool is $150 so call it $500 for parts.

Alternatively, I can pick up used rear axle shaft assemblies with a one year warranty for $300/pair or an entire rear axle for $500 with one year warranty. Strange that it's less work and less cost to just swap out the axle shaft assemblies. I realize the difference is a used part vs a new part. The truck has 285K miles on it and will stay in the family for a while longer. I'm going to install a 2.5" OME lift at the same time as the bearings and then a few more lightweight mods next year.

Am I missing something or should I just swap the axles out and call it a day?

As always thanks for input from the community here over the years!

 

[Rednexus]

A used rear axle shaft or complete axle will also need the bearings replaced in the future. Maybe it's one year from now; maybe it's three, but you'd be back in the same spot. A new set of bearings should last you another 200K; you can also use the disassembly as an opportunity to replace the seals and refresh the e-brake components.

 

[Jstawgn]

Buy koyo bearing, deals and retainer. The special tool makes the difference.

Rear Axle Bearing Puller Toyota 4Runner 4 & 5 gen 03-21 & FJ, Lexus GX460/470 | eBay

Toyota Axle Bearing Puller w/Late Model Adapter. This will fit on 4th & 5th generation 4Runners, all FJ Cruisers and all Lexus GX460/470. leaving part of the inner race still on the axle. Bolts to the bearing flange and fits into a Harbor Freight, or similar, 20-ton hydraulic press.

www.ebay.com

Bearing Race Removal Tool for Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Lexus GX470 44mm ID Brg | eBay

44mm ID Rear Wheel Bearings. 4th & 5th Gen 4Runner. All Years FJ Cruiser. 2nd & 3rd gen Tacoma. Bearing Race Removal Tool For Toyota. Lexus GX460/470.

www.ebay.com

Still need a press.

ECGS seeks koyo bearing kit.
Cruiser outfitters too.

 

[aztoytec]

Dorman makes a complete ready to install rear axle assembly. There about $480.00.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Buy koyo bearing, deals and retainer. The special tool makes the difference.

Still need a press.

ECGS seeks koyo bearing kit.
Cruiser outfitters too.

Our Cruiser Outfitters rear axle kits for the GX470/120 Series are very popular. All of three parts necessary for a full bearing overhaul using all OE parts. The OEM shafts are faaaaaar superior to any of the aftermarket.

 

[Zarasa]

A used rear axle shaft or complete axle will also need the bearings replaced in the future. Maybe it's one year from now; maybe it's three, but you'd be back in the same spot. A new set of bearings should last you another 200K; you can also use the disassembly as an opportunity to replace the seals and refresh the e-brake components.

I agree...I think I'm just feeling a little intimidated by dealing with the bearings and the press.

Also the e-brake isn't working so I'll have to research how to repair it.

 

[Zarasa]

Our Cruiser Outfitters rear axle kits for the GX470/120 Series are very popular. All of three parts necessary for a full bearing overhaul using all OE parts. The OEM shafts are faaaaaar superior to any of the aftermarket.

For whatever reason I can't seem to find the kits on either one of your websites. Can you post a link? Thanks!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

For whatever reason I can't seem to find the kits on either one of your websites. Can you post a link? Thanks!

Shoot the part team an email and they'll reply right back with a price and availability.

 

[Rednexus]

I agree...I think I'm just feeling a little intimidated by dealing with the bearings and the press.

Also the e-brake isn't working so I'll have to research how to repair it.

It will be super easy to rebuild the e-brake when you have the axle out. You'll need a hardware kit and a set of pads.

EDIT: I had not used a press before this summer. I helped a friend lift his Tundra in my shop and we found that one of the front wheel bearings was shot. He has a 1st gen where the whole steering knuckle has to be removed to press the bearing out of and back into it. Luckily, NAPA was able to get new Koyo bearings overnight, and I borrowed a 12T HF press from another buddy. We did the first bearing in around an hour and the second in around 30 minutes. The biggest hurdle was finding the right combination of metal items to hold the knuckle level - we ended up using a trailer hitch shank and a brake rotor. Since it looks like there are purpose-made tools for this job on a GX, I don't think it will be too bad for a first-timer.

 

[Zarasa]

Call me hard-headed and/or foolish, but I'm going to go ahead and install the rear axles/hubs/bearings assembly off a GX with 120K miles over to my truck. Getting them for $125 each side...only $275 including tax.

I'm hoping that in one day we can do this repair, fix the e-brake, and install a 2.5" kit. Might be too ambitious...we shall see!

 

[dovetails]

Call me hard-headed and/or foolish, but I'm going to go ahead and install the rear axles/hubs/bearings assembly off a GX with 120K miles over to my truck. Getting them for $125 each side...only $275 including tax.

I'm hoping that in one day we can do this repair, fix the e-brake, and install a 2.5" kit. Might be too ambitious...we shall see!

How'd it go? I'm curious what you were able to get done in a day.

 

[Zarasa]

How'd it go? I'm curious what you were able to get done in a day.

We haven’t done the work yet. I have the axles and UCA’s. The Eibach lift kit arrives today. Front bumper ready for local pick up in about two weeks. Ordering wheels and tires today. Need e-brake repair parts and other suspension parts.

We will carve out an entire weekend in December or January to do the work at my buddies shop.

 

[dovetails]

We haven’t done the work yet. I have the axles and UCA’s. The Eibach lift kit arrives today. Front bumper ready for local pick up in about two weeks. Ordering wheels and tires today. Need e-brake repair parts and other suspension parts.

We will carve out an entire weekend in December or January to do the work at my buddies shop.

Nice! Good luck.