Transfer case output shaft bearings

[lacruiser]

Hey folks. I have a 1992 4runner with 4x4. The rear output shaft of the transfer case can be moved up and down a bit, and I'm pretty certain that at least one bearing in there is bad.

I don't know much about these transfer cases, so I'm wondering how difficult it is to yank out the shaft and replace these bearings? Is there one that usually goes bad, or sometimes more than one bearing goes bad?

I'd guess that when I grab the driveshaft right near the U-joint and wiggle it, the U-joint assembly is moving maybe an eight-inch or so. Way too much. Also the seal has gone because of this.

Also, I noticed that the driveshaft U-joints may not be correct. The U portion of each end (The U portions affixed to the driveshaft and the slip joint) are oriented the same, relative to the shaft. I thought that the U portions were supposed to be 90° offset from each other so that the U-joints would not be working against each other. I would imagine this could be corrected by pulling apart the slip joint and rotating it 90°, then the orientation may be correct? Is this right? I would guess that if this orientation is wrong, this may have contributed to the output shaft bearing failure.

Suggestions/help appreciated

thanks

 

[TOYOTAPARTS]

The u parts of the shaft are supposed to be aligned not 90 deg. Remove the shaft and make sure the nut on the t case flange didnt come loose (this happens a lot) if the bearing is bad the rear part of the case needs to come off to replace the bearing..well at least on a 4 cyl if you have a v6 Im not sure.

 

[KLF]

I believe there is a procedure in the FSM that shows how to replace this bearing. Need to know which tranny you have -- auto or 5-speed? Which engine -- 4-cyl or V6?

 

[lacruiser]

Thanks for your replies

This is a V6 engine with the automatic transmission.

thanks again

Dana

 

[pappy]

Remove the shaft and make sure the nut on the t case flange didnt come loose (this happens a lot) ...

Ya, what he said. Make sure the companion flange isn't the loose subject. Rule out the easy stuff before the worst.