1998 4Runner Ltd Rear Axle Bearing issue, etc...

[BlueDog007]

Hello all-

I am new here and would appreciate your input on my situation. I am the original owner of a 1998 4Runner Limited 4x4. When I hit 200k miles about 4 years ago, I didn't think my 4Runner would last much longer so I went out and bought a brand new Chevy 2500 Diesel. I kept driving 4Runner as my daily driver. When it didn't die, I sold the Diesel and bought a 2010 Tundra Limited two years ago. FYI...both new truck purchases were also for tax purposes/write off's. My Tundra has been hibernating for two years and only has 2,500 miles on it. I have continued driving my 4Runner and it now has 316,500 miles on it. It's really like the energizer bunny!

Now for my current situation. The 4Runner has been going to the shop every other month for about the past six months. It is there now. The drivers side rear axle is leaking and the bearings need to be pressed out; the U-joints are about worn out (never replaced); the rear differential is leaking and needs to be re-sealed; the 4Runner needs new shocks (never replaced); to name a few. The 4Runner is in average overall condition. My local shop has quoted me $750 to repair the rear axle bearing issue and another $150 to repair the rear differential issue. The reason I took it to the shop this time was because it began vibrating very bad at one moment, then it would stop for a few minutes, then it would do it again. I noticed the most vibration when I tried to accelerate or climb hills. When I let off of the gas, the vibration would go away. My mechanic believes that may be the injectors. I assume shocks would run around $400 turn key for middle of the road shocks. My mechanic, who runs a private shop specializing in Toyota and Lexus, actually told me that I should highly consider not repairing it and just selling it.

I wanted to know if these quotes are in line and if you thought I should sell it or pay to have the repairs done. It's old and I have driven it for a long, long time. I can honestly say that I haven't taken great care of it, but haven't abused it either. I guess I'd say average overall care. It's been an incredible vehicle for me.

Please let me know your thoughts as soon as you can. Thanks!!!

 

[Kurtis]

Well... If you are mechanically inclided you could fix the wheel bearing, rear diff leak and the replace the U joint(s) all for under $100 including new gear oil. But you would need a press or know someone with a press to get the bearing out.

Your vibration problem sounds like a drive shaft U-joint.

As far as shocks go. $250-$550ish Depending on what you want. That's if you install them your-self.

 

[Dewyz1100]

You give me hope...

I would say fix the issues... Do the majority of the labor yourself, but send the axles to a shop to take off and re-press on bearings...

I basically have the same 4Runner, only with half the mileage, and I recently had to replace the entire rear axle assembly - brakes and all...

Here is the link to my repair thread...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/104883-rust-belt-rear-axle-housing-swap.html#post941226

I chose to go to a dealer to buy all my replacement parts new, but as many people have pointed out on this forum, the job can be done much cheaper if you were so inclined to troll salvage yards for good condition used parts...

I am not sure where you are located geographically, but being in the rust belt, I elected to go all new, and properly treat the parts before installing them. (Bed-lining, and undercoating)

My hope is that my 4Runner will last the kind of mileage that yours has... ...and hearing that yours has double the mileage that mine does, and you are only now experiencing these repair issues gives me hope for my truck...

My u-joints were shot a year ago when I bought the truck, and I experienced the same vibration issue - but it was not an engine issue... The truck seemed to growl when in motion, but would vibrate and shake when I got on the gas even a little bit...

I bought aftermarket (high-quality) u-joints and took out the shaft and brought it to a shop to install the new joints and balance the shaft for me. I now just make sure to grease the u-joints every time I change the oil...

Hope my thread can help you out in some way...

 

[BlueDog007]

^^^bump^^^

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Keep her. The vibration is 100% a u joint. If your mechanic things it's an injector, it's time for a new mechanic. Fix the seals yourself but send the axles and driveshaft to a shop to have the new bearings and the u joint replaced. Shocks are easy, AJUSA sells Bilsteins (the HD's) for about $260 shipped for all four. You could fix this thing yourself in a weekend for probably $600 total. After 13 years and 300K miles, doesn't she deserve that?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

So... You fixing the old girl up or what?

 

[l3igl3ang]

I just did my seals last sat both sides very ez to change costed 8 bucks for both seals. Took about a hour i also pulled out the punkin and did some silcone wizardery on it it was leaking bad which was probly the cause of the bolts not begin very tight but i sealed it up and tighting the heck out of it no more leaks

Also if u do the ujoint and its on there where u cant get the old one out then try useing a tourch and heat it up. We did a ujoint on a blazer and could'nt get it out so finely went to a shop and they told use to heat it up so we did and these stuff ozzed out like a worm then hit it with a hammer and it poped right out no press needed.

 

[potomacduck]

The axles seals is a fairly simple job. Are you sure you need new rear bearings?

I was told I needed them too at 285,000. When we removed the rear bearings we found that they were in great shape.....a lotta work for nothing.