Topic: Rear axle play

[Peterbilt6905]

First time poster here.

I have a 84 4runner with a little bit of play at the rear axle. Has a little in/out movement on both driver and passenger rear axle. Has no up down or side to side movement at all. 

Am I correct in assuming that the wheel bearings are on their way out?  Anything else that that would cause in/out play?

If I do order new wheel bearings, should I get new bearing cases also?

[wolfashes]

Did you check the 4 nuts behind the drum case? Besides that, nothing else is holding the axle in place.
I believe the TG bearings come with the casing. Manufacturer should say in the description.

[94Runna]

like Wolfashes said, check the nuts.. then do the bearing and seal

[H8PVMNT]

The rear wheel bearings are kind of a trick without a press and a tool made from an old axle housing.  It can be done.

They can go a long time with a bit of play like that.  I replace them when it gets bad enough that the seal leaks.

[OOPS]

Here is how you can do it without a press. A bit "Fred Flintstone" but it works. Done it a couple of times on the trail.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/rear_axle/wheel_bearing/