I have a 4WD Townace and I have failed the road test as the Front Wheel bearings are deamed to be loose. There is play in the wheel if it is rocked (while jacked up) but is this bearing play and/ or movement on the driveshaft (with the hubs disengaged)? I can hear no rumbling so I assume the bearings have not collapsed. If there is indeed play in the bearing how is this adjusted out? The 4WD unit on the end of the hub loooks like is should be removed but I am loathed to do this as I expect springs etc to fly out!! Sorry if this is covered elsewhere but I can't find any links. Thanks in anticipation.

- (#8638) Neil Midgley, 18 Feb 04 14:42

Yup, bearings need adjustment. Take the cap w/ knob off the hub, and the bolt under it, then the six nuts with cone washers. The hub then comes off for access to the bearings. They're taper roller with a locknut and tabwasher adjustment. You can either acquire the large (54mm IIRC) socket required or just use a hammer and punch. Don't overtighten, and remember that the preload will increase slightly as you tighten the locknut.

- (#8638) david miller, 19 Feb 04 00:57

See Ace Archives - Transmission - 4WD - "4WD Front wheel bearings & 4WD hub" there's a link there to a good description of what to do. It's also on the Refernce page of Ace Answers under "Repair 4WD free-wheel hubs".

Apart from finding a suitable soft drift to dislodge the cone washers it's an easy, though very greasy, job to do. I took up the play on those giant nuts with just my fingers, then they're locked with a tab washer.

- (#8638) Dave (Sussex), 19 Feb 04 04:56

Thanks for the advice. I still can't find the references to the topic you refer to. The Ace Archives Transmission section does not (on my computer) have a 4WD sub-section and all the Transmission topics are about other things?? Where is the reference page on Ace Answers you refer to? I am going to try solving the problem on the basis of your directions - Thanks again. The cross-referencing to other pages is more confusing than the the maintenance instructions, but then I am barely able to turn the computer on!

- (#8638) Neil Midgley, 23 Feb 04 04:27

check your mailbox for info

- (#8638) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 23 Feb 04 07:18

Neil. By Ian's note it would appear that he is forwarding the very comprehensive sheets, detailing the whole procedure. He kindly did this for me and everything you need to know is there. I know that others have adjusted the bearings by "feel" but, Toyota do advise that these bearings are torqued to fairly precise figures. In my case, the removal of the free wheel hubs was made much easier (no springs fly out) and the whole job resulted in an improved ride and "feel" at the front axle.

- (#8638) John Davis, 24 Feb 04 01:54