replacing carrier bearing....

[SethM]

Been off T4WD.com for a while happily just daily driving my '85 SR5 T4WD but made the fatal mistake of actually taking my car in for the mandatory state inspection... The verdict was that I need a new carrier bearing. I've searched this site and don't see a repair write-up specific to this procedure. If all I want to change is the carrier bearing, what is the recommended approach?

Thanks,

[4wdchico]

Been off T4WD.com for a while happily just daily driving my '85 SR5 T4WD but made the fatal mistake of actually taking my car in for the mandatory state inspection... The verdict was that I need a new carrier bearing. I've searched this site and don't see a repair write-up specific to this procedure. If all I want to change is the carrier bearing, what is the recommended approach?

Thanks,

If you read this thread you will have all the other important info: https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5334

[Petros]

The state inspection actually requires you to replace a bearing that is unrelated to safety or emissions? that bearing is not even required to make the car go when in 2wd. How did they determine you need a new one?

What next? Tell you to replace your interior light too?

[ARCHINSTL]

Read the link 4wdchico posted - I started out with the rear seal and decided to add the center mount and then discovered I needed both driveshafts (U-joints shot).
I actually just today received the reman shafts, with center mount ($328), all assembled, today from Powertrain Industries in Houston. Its home office is in Garden Grove and has other stores around CA and it sells the supports, for - ready?
$57!
Far, far less than anyone else. I just verified this with PI in Springfield, MO, with whom I dealt. I had already received one from RockAuto, for $112, which is going back. That was the best price I could find (NO one has the $88 Timken, and the mfgr will no longer make it).
Others should note this price as well. My contact there, "Rick," said to mention his name and price when you call CA (800-798-4585). The part number is 2392-602 (MTs) and it has 53 of them in CA (some old Celicas use this one as well).

If you were kicked for the support - there must be an awful lot of cars/trucks being kicked for that. Or was it an overzealous tech?
Tom M.

EDIT - Whoops - thought you were in CA - well, call them and find out if there are any East Coast offices. UPS for the driveshaft set and core return was free, too!

[4wdchico]

Tom,

That deal on the DS assembly is very good & not paying any UPS either direction is just Icing on the cake.

Now that you have dug into this issue what % of t4wds do you think are in need of a rebuilt rear DS assy? My guess is 98%+...

[ARCHINSTL]

I guess RI has more stringent requirements than most other states, huh? I always thought that CA would have the most rigorous, but guess not, huh?
I would think that the 98% you mentioned would hold true for just about ANY vehicle with a center support from the '80s - and that would be a LOT - and continuing through to this day. Heck, the actual bearing may be fine, but the rubber surround just deteriorates with age - for all vehicles.
Here in MO I've never heard of this. My '88 Dodge/Mitsu p'up has a center support that makes the T4WD's look new - and while it's been rejected for various items I've had to fix, but nada on the support - and that's from at least three different inspection stations over the years.
Tom M.

[ARCHINSTL]

SethM - Check the FSM; it has a pretty good explanation.
You will need a 3/8" and 1/2" torque wrench, 12mm socket and open end, and a 24mm socket. Also figure a way to hold the front shaft while the support is being removed (or take it somewhere); see FSM for this step.
You will also need to drain at least part of the trans, as oil will leak from the end. You will need to raise the whole car for room and safety; not something you can do without this step.
I'd also check for leaks at the seal where the front shaft enters the TSH (this is what started my driveshaft Odyssey)... You may find your driveshaft is extremely notchy, as I did...
Tom M.

P.S. If you've never filled the trans - be sure the filler plugs can be removed before draining - recent thread on this...

[splatterdog]

Hanger bearing caught by inspectors? Thats all they found? This makes no sense. Did it actually fail inspection ? You make me glad I live in a partially free state. We can run any turd in any condition here. Good or bad, I don't know. Inspection programs only seem to increase fraud on many levels. Or at least show ineptitude on the inspectors/state part. That's my perception at least.

I don't suppose I could recommend moving away from your police state? Give them a finger for me....

[SethM]

ahhhh, thanks.... I guess. I read the thread you folks directed me to.... But I don't have any drive shaft leaks and would rather not get involved with all the procedures described in that thread if I don't have to. "Have to" which brings me to the subject of RI inspections. Oh wait, don't get me started. I have NO idea whether this (the non-safety related carrier bearing) is really grounds for failing a RI inspection.....

Sigh,

[ARCHINSTL]

The point 4wdchico was making in the link to the seal thread was not so much about the seal but rather to the other info concerning the driveshafts and their center support.
If you have to replace the support to pass inspection - I'd think that it has to be resolved, whether by you or by a wrench. If you go the latter route, let us know what the shop charge is (but buy the support yourself and take it in...).
Tom M.

[4wdchico]

No, per the inspection you do not have to do more than the carrier/center support bearing.

My point really is, once you feel how notchy your u-joints are, is it a better idea to just go ahead and get the rebuilt driveshaft assembly and thereby prevent/forestall the whole TSH bushing and seal failure issue?

[takza]

"Notchy" u-joints are probably like the universal on the steering shaft...a good soak in light oil would likely free them up. DRY?

I had one go out in the desert in deep sand...needle bearing disintegrated from the extra load...bought a new one and was able to replace it on the road...or off of it to be more precise.

[splatterdog]

What I don't get is, did you have any probs to begin with? You didn't say you were having any probs. "Loose" rubber doesn't make it bad. The T4's carrier is naturally soft and "loose". If the bearing inside is bad you will know it as you are almost sitting on it. I'm guessing they had to hit you with something, just on principle. If the bearing is quiet and the rubber hasn't crumbled I would fight it.

Did they look at front brake hoses? I haven't seen a T4 that didn't need them.

[4wdchico]

"Notchy" u-joints are probably like the universal on the steering shaft...a good soak in light oil would likely free them up. DRY?

I had one go out in the desert in deep sand...needle bearing disintegrated from the extra load...bought a new one and was able to replace it on the road...or off of it to be more precise.

EP grease is the only lube that will work in a driveline u-joint. Stock u-joints cannot be greased or replaced. Notchy = failing. The stock 'yota u-joints, once they get notchy, can go a long time before fully failing. Plenty long enough to wipe out the TSH bushing and seal.

[Petros]

Seth,

Please explain how is it the inspection found the driveshaft bearing needed replacing, and under what authority do they require you to replace it? Do you have a "repair order" or something similar? Can to take it to a state approved shop and have them issue you a letter saying it is acceptable?

The rubber mount is required to be loose: when the rear diff goes up and down with the axle (over bumps) there is a slight plunge to the drivesaft due to the fact the driveshaft radius is different from the movement of the rear axle. This movement is taken up by the spline in the transmission output shaft, and the center mount has to move forward and aft to accommodate the movement of the diff.

The bottom line is the center mount has to move to accommodate suspension travel.