So I haven't seen a write up yet for this for 2nd gen t4r's although I'd bet there is one somewhere. I did find a pretty good youtube video of a guy doing an 80's toyota pickup which I think is pretty much the same process and parts.

Install Toyota Rear Axle Bearing, Oil Seal - WITHOUT a Press! - YouTube

I'd like to post some videos and stuff as I go in the replacement process. Hoping someone can look at my post and tell me if my deduction is correct ;)

Anyway so for sometime (about 2+ years) Since I bought my 94 4x4 22re runner I've been hearing and searching for and mysterious clunk. The truck is old let's face it and with 218k there's a lot of possibilities. Originally I thought it was related to the CV's because the boots were shredded. They still work great though, 4x4 is solid, so I just cleaned repacked and put split boots. I do know there's a loose wheel bearing in the front, but my concern and now focus is on the rear.

Around the time I got a new set of bfg k02s on the truck I noticed that some sort of grease or oil or fluid started leaking through the rim holes on the rear driver side. I also noticed around the time of getting the new tires that the truck was pulling to the right more than it had previously. I think this was a coincidence and not the tire shops fault thought.

At first I figured the leak was brake fluid, but in checking the master cylinder it is completely full. I didn't have time to deal with it so I drove it for a while and then shipped it inter island to my fiance's place. It's been nice finally having a proper driveway/carport and a lot of tools in place to work on the truck.

I finally was able to jack it up and put it on stands. I immediately noticed the driver side rear brake and wheel hub assembly was soaked in something. My friend looked at it and his first reaction was the wheel cylinder was leaking. While down there I checked the u joints which seem tight and not any play. There's a little play in the drive shaft rear diff input, but I don't know if that's normal?

When I pulled the wheel off though I noticed practically the whole assembly was covered in greasy fluid. I popped the drum off and poked around. The brake shoes and surface in the drum look great albeit they are greasy (The P.O. did say it had new brakes done so far looks like he was being honest!) However I'm thinking this grease/oil could be causing the truck to pull to the right. If the left brakes aren't engaging fully the braking balance side to side would be off. (less braking force on the left and so more grab on the right the truck pulls to the right)

I also tested the brakes with the wheel off and the wheel cylinder was operating well and I didn't see any extra fluid come out so I'm about 90% sure that it is not the problem. I even pried back the dust cover a little and under that everything was clean and dry.

I think what has happened is that the rear wheel bearing(s) are shot and either the axle seals were damaged because of this or they also wore out and so the axle oil has washed out all the grease from the bearings into the brake assembly. There was literally grease all over the drum and all inside the brake assembly.

I cleaned the drum and shoes up with brake parts cleaner and wiped off as much grease as I could. I also checked the rear diff fluid and it seemed a little low. The liquid on the wheel smelled to me like oil but I'm still not 100% I'd hate to pull everything and do the bearings and seals and end up having a bad wheel cylinder too and have to do it all again hahaha!!!!

My last test was to put it all back together bolt the wheels on and give them a good shake. Both sides were making some racket (loose and slightly wobbly) and although the right side is not leaking any thing yet when I move it back and forth by hand it makes a very similar sound to the clunk clunk clunk I heard when driving.

Note: I've tried spinning the wheels while jacked up in forward and reverse and I could not reproduce the sound (by hand and by motor). This really makes me think wheel bearings because the weight of the truck would put load on them and then you'd hear the noise which would speed as vehicle speed increased.

I'm learning a lot owning this old truck and I try to not stress and let it be fun, but sometimes it's a pita that's for sure hahaha!

I'm gonna work on a video series and will post to youtube with links as I go! I wouldn't even call my self a shad tree mechanic, but personally I've found if I've got the tools or can adapt/modify, and at least some idea of what I'm doing I feel like I can pull any job off.