I think my driver's side front wheel bearing is going out and I'm looking at these full assemblies to replace it myself. I can find videos and pics of the job on a 4x4, but I'm not finding any that show how to do the job on a 4x2. The 2wd doesn't have the hub nut so I'm not clear what holds the whole assembly on there and what I need to do to remove it. Does anybody know where this is documented in a video or a thread with steps and pics?

i'd imagine it's the same 4 studs behind the hub that hold it in place, it just saves you the headache of removing the axle nut

It seems with no axle nut there is nothing to keep the hub and the bearing from separating. The wheel is secured to the hub and the bearing is secured by those 4 bolts. Something needs to secure the hub to the vehicle. What am I missing?

That the bearing is pressed into the hub? I'm not sure what you're getting at

I understand that the bearing is pressed into the hub, but that can't possibly be all that is holding the hub on. The hub and bearing while pressed together are 2 different parts and could potentially separate. The axle nut on the 4wd keeps that from happening. I'm trying to understand what keeps that from happening on a 2wd, which will help me understand what's involved with removing it and replacing it. Hoping somebody has some pics somewhere and I'm just missing them in my search.

perhaps there is a nut on the backside?
or maybe even a large snap ring? haven't worked on a 2wd runner.

that said, im sure ive seen some 2wd vehicles that use what looks like the same hub setup as the 4wd. dunno. I wasn't working on that part, so didn't get to investigate further.

I think you're right. From the pics in this thread it looks like the hub shaft is threaded on the inside. Once the hub nut is installed, the hub and bearing assembly are secure eliminating the need for the axle nut.

Custom 4X4 and 4X2 hub bearing assemblies! Order them here! - Tacoma World Forums

Hello everyone. I just joined, but have been a lurker for a while. I've been troubleshooting a humming/roaring noise that has been getting louder and louder the last few days. From the dozens of threads I've read, I'm pretty certain its one or both of my front wheel bearings. This was the most recent thread on the 2wd wheel bearings so I thought I'd post here.

It's a 2006 SR5 2wd, 6cylinder.

I work on old VWs all the time, so I'm no stranger to tools or wrenching, but modern cars are still kind of foreign to me. I've got the rotor off of the drivers side and can feel a good bit of slop in the hub assembly. I'm guessing this slop shouldn't be there. Can somebody take a look at this video and tell me if this does indeed indicate a bad wheel bearing / hub assembly. Thanks for looking!!!


2006 Toyota 4runner, bad wheel bearing??? - YouTube

and another video of the hub spinning so you can hear it
IMG 0880 - YouTube

I was very happy to find that the guy in Alabama is now making the ready to bolt on assemblies for the 2wd 4Runners, and plan to get those if they are indeed what is needed.

yup, that's a bad wheel bearing.

unbolt it, and bolt a new one on. done.

Thanks for the confirmation! I pulled the passenger side apart, and it was still nice and tight and spun quietly, so I'm hoping a new drivers assembly will get rid of all the roar!

Yes, you do have severe play in the bearing. Unfortunately this is one of the common problems with the Toyota mid-sized truck line with the Tacoma, 4-runner, and FJ Cruiser.

I will be more than happy to provide you with a replacement assembly. If you would like an invoice sent directly to your email, I will be able to provide it for ease and simplicity of ordering. You have already emailed me, so just let me know when you are ready to order! Thanks!

Just wanted to follow up on my issue. I did get a new hub/bearing from Bumper2Bumper. Installation was painless and it did indeed take care of the horrible roaring noise. All is good now! Thanks

I ordered the part from Bumper2Bumper as well. It was painless to install and got rid of my roaring noise. Will definitely use him again if I need another.