Rear Differential Bearings Shot

[JBHorne]

Hey guys (and gals if there are any in this section):

So I'm having my ARB rear locker installed by a local shop that does air locker installs. I did everything else myself, but decided not to mess with the rear diff.

I was there while the tech was removing the bearings, and they are worn. My LC has just under 8K miles on it, too.

The wear pattern is extremely interesting. It's not worn in a concentric circle like you would usually see. Instead, on the race there are wear marks high on one side and low on the other, as if it was never installed perfectly and has been rubbing at an odd angle the whole time.

The shop informed my that while these are still usable, it would not be recommended since new bearings only cost $50 each (x2).

As of now, there is no noise coming from them, so Toyota will not warranty them.

1) Is this normal?

2) Was I smart in giving them the GO to replace them both?

3) Should I deal with Toyota further and try and get them to warranty them, or without a noise present, is this a lost hope?

Anyways, just thought you guys should be aware of this just in case you decide to get a rear diff lock installed.

 

[dfmorse]

Hell yes, have Toyota look at this!

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I'd replace and forget it. The diff is already apart, Toyota isn't likely to have much sympathy, at least I wouldn't.

Was it pinion bearings or the side bearings? Pinion bearings I could see if you smacked the snout of the diff and messed up the crush sleeve. the side bearings are a harder call and maybe the carrier is defective. If so, that's being replaced with the ARB anyway.

Can you post a picture of the bearing problem? In a well cared for differential, they can last 200k miles, so early failure is an oddity.

 

[JBHorne]

I'd replace and forget it. The diff is already apart, Toyota isn't likely to have much sympathy, at least I wouldn't.

Was it pinion bearings or the side bearings? Pinion bearings I could see if you smacked the snout of the diff and messed up the crush sleeve. the side bearings are a harder call and maybe the carrier is defective. If so, that's being replaced with the ARB anyway.

Can you post a picture of the bearing problem? In a well cared for differential, they can last 200k miles, so early failure is an oddity.

Yeah, I'm tempted to replace and forget. I believe the bearings in question are the two side bearings. I will pick them up today and get some pictures posted.

 

[dtt255]

I'd replace and forget it. The diff is already apart, Toyota isn't likely to have much sympathy, at least I wouldn't.

Was it pinion bearings or the side bearings? Pinion bearings I could see if you smacked the snout of the diff and messed up the crush sleeve. the side bearings are a harder call and maybe the carrier is defective. If so, that's being replaced with the ARB anyway.

Can you post a picture of the bearing problem? In a well cared for differential, they can last 200k miles, so early failure is an oddity.

Nah....create hell for toyota!!!

Nah......Drew is right actually

 

[JBHorne]

It's part 11 in this diagram, "Side Bearings and Race":

MSRP on them is $41.47 each. Online they can be had for $33.18 each.

I will talk to Toyota next time I'm there...not so much about the price, but how odd the wear pattern is. I think they should know.

 

[tempestv8]

JB,

Did you take a picture of the actual bearing itself? I'm curious now. I hope this is not a sign that the LC200 rear diff bearings are a weak link....

I use my LC200 predominantly for towing purposes, and therefore, I'd expect my rear diff would experience more than the usual amount of load than just normal usage.

 

[Letsgomoreplaces]

bearings

Just do the bearings. You are installing an aftermarket locker that bearings be pressed on. If your shop doesnt have the proper equipment to remove them, you dont want to try re-use them anyways. We typically replace them anyways, because they are not expensive.