Hilux 03 Rear wheel bearings

[v6XtraHilux]

Hey guys,
Anybody know how hard it is to replace or inspect the rear wheel bearings on a 03 Hilux? Any special tools needed?

Also, when pulling the axle out, do I have to replace any seals, gaskets, etc or can I pull the axle out, have a look and then just re-use whats there already, obviously if any of the seals are buggered Id have to repalce them, but if not, can I leave whats there already?

Is the rear bearing sealed, or does it get lubed up like the front wheel bearings?

Also, is there any place on the rear axle that would have grey grease? and how could it get into the rear diff oil?

Ta.

[fisho64]

Im going to take a punt here and guess that when you say gray grease getting into the diff, you are talking about the magnetic drain plug in the bottom of the diff? If so that is not grease, its fine filings from (in small quantities) normal wear. Feels like grease a bit though.

[v6XtraHilux]

Drained the oil yesterday and instead of it been clear with a slight yellow tinge like brand new oil, it had an almost dark green/grey tinge, it was still translucent when u ran ur fingers thru it and poured it, but when it lay in the bottom of the drain pan, it looked like full on engine oil!!!

The drain plug this time didnt have a heap of "grease" looking gunk, but previous two drains over the last 10,000ks did. This time it did have a bit around the drain plug itself (little groove on the end of the plug) with ever so small tiny bits of metal.

Never had the oil go this colour before in any of my trucks. As I have a rear ARB diff lock, I use their "Heavy use" oil specs....Valvoline Gear Oil API-GL5 in 185W/40 grade. It matches the ARB booklet for lubricants, but dunno why its gone a funy colour.


So there is NO way actual grease could get into the oil??? The outer wheel bearings are sealed units or are they in a "bath" of grease like the front bearings?

Ta

[fisho64]

most diffs are similar, in that the seal needs to be fitted to the axle before the bearing, and the bearing runs in an oil splash, inside the axle seals.

[brokelux]

bearings are sealed u can inspect em by pulling the exle out but you will need a press to replace them i'd suggest the metal in your oil is coming from the diff.

when u inspect the bearings it is normall for them to have a small amount of movement when u wiggle the backing plate from side to side

[fisho64]

i thought that the bearings on the axles werent normally sealed, and are lubed by oil widing its way and splashing up the axle housings?

[brokelux]

on a hilux there is a oil seal between the wheel bearing and the axle tube so no diff oil should be in the wheel bearing at all they are a sealed unit

[v6XtraHilux]

Thanks BrokeLux, that has answered my question.

So the "grease" looking stuff is just wear and tair on the diff.

Is it wearing and tearing on the crown wheel teeth, or inside the diff itself? Any idea why the oil went that funny colour?

Cheers

[brokelux]

quite possible its a early sign of bearing failure but u wont know untill it gets pulled out

honestly i'd just leave it untill it starts to get noisy that way u know its the diff.

is their any movement in the pinion?

[v6XtraHilux]

from memory, the drive shaft turns about 3-4mm before the pinion touches then the diff rotates, thats within specs I believe.

Apart from that theres no other noises. Ive had one wheel up and the other on the ground, rotating the wheels around and back and forth, but apart from the slight noise from the pinion gear as it engages, theres no audible noises. The drum break on the drivers side needs a look at, as it seems to be rubbing as the wheel goesa round.

[cassowaryind]

You need a GGT-600 tool from Repco, Bursons, Snap on Etc to change the bearing . With out it it could take 6 hours, with the tool a few minutes.