Tranny Output Play = bad bearing? bushing?

[CMB]

I was getting prepped to replace the oil seal at the rear extension housing of the tranny, as it is leaking a fair amount...when I found a large amount of play where the drive shaft meets the tranny. I am not understanding how the extension housing is set up. I had this same problem on a landcruiser transfer case, and it was a tapered roller bearing much like the pinion bearing set up on the rear diff of the drive shaft, but the terc FSM indicates it might just be a bushing that needs replaced (under the propeller shaft troubleshoot section). Can anyone verify/clarify the parts I will need to correct the slop here? Note: I already have the oil seal in hand.

Additionally, is there a good way to assess the condition of the center support bearing while on the vehicle. I can push the drive shaft up and down quite a bit within the center carrier bearing housing, but I don't know if this is normal or not.
Thanks!

[ARCHINSTL]

http://www.tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtop ... it=bushing
The rubber of the center support is probably toast. Check the new Part Number Forum for info/sourcing.
Tom M.

[Petros]

The center bearing on the drive shaft is "soft mounted" in a rubber boot-like carrier, so some give is normal. If it is not all shredded it is likely fine. they have to soft mount the center bearing because as the rear axle swings up and down the front end of the drive shaft slips in and out on the splines. So the center mount has to give a bit fore and aft or it will trash the center bearing and also transmit a lot of noise to the body.

Never had any problems with the trans rear bushing, but it seems a lot of play is likely why the rear seal gave up.

[takza]

If that is a bronze bushing as with an auto trans...they can be real sloppy and still hold oil with a decent seal in there....easier to replace the seal and use it as is. I think Arch got into this job...or was thinking of it at least.

[ARCHINSTL]

I got lucky and replaced the seal only, as detailed in the link above. Although - I purchased the bushing as well as an extra seal.
So far, so good... No leaks.
Tom M.

[xirdneh]

If that is a bronze bushing as with an auto trans...they can be real sloppy and still hold oil with a decent seal in there....easier to replace the seal and use it as is. I think Arch got into this job...or was thinking of it at least.

this has been my experience also
the four-plus seals i replaced did not leak even though the out put shafts were noticeably wobbly
i assumed that was normal
two of the seals i used were metal with rubber center
all the others looked more like the original being all rubber
i am leery of the metal ones and do not use them anymore

[CMB]

Put in the new seal today. I did not bother with bushing, as it sounded like from others experiences the seal alone was sufficient.

I drained 2.5 qts old gear from the tranny/diff and put in 3.5 new 80w-90. Noticeably better shifting now.