Re-grease hub needle bearings? (tacoma manual hub swap)

[RidingDirty]

Hey I'm currently doing the manual hub swap on my 1996 4runner and I just took everything apart with my shop press. The only thing I'm not sure about is the needle bearings within the hub. I searched the tacoma FSM and couldn't find any info regarding the needle bearings. I know the needle bearing is a captive part which is only included when you order a complete hub assembly. So my assumption is that this is a part that was meant to last the lifetime of the vehicle. But while I have everything apart I was wondering if I'm supposed to try to add some additional grease to the needle bearing? I feel like I should do some sort of preventive measure while it's accessible. So does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks.

Also I know ORS sells new needle bearings and bronze hub bushings, but I don't feel like spending all that money and time.

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[brillo_76]

I personally would just clean the old grease out and coat them with the multipurpose grease that you grease your zerks with.. We see what the other members say..

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[sleepydad]

I would try to clean them out as best as I could, maybe carb cleaner, soak in a little tin of gas? A little brushy brushy, I'm guessing by the look of those they have some sand/grit in them? A good blast with some air and nozzle would also do wonders getting them cleaned out.

Then just good quality multi-purpose moly wheel bearing grease and your good to go. I know it sucks cleaning things out but the cleaner you can get them before assembly the longer they are going to last.

 

[JZiggy]

Agreed with the previous comments. Doesn’t take anything special but a clean and re-grease is a good idea.