Florida Land Cruiser Association

[SHRIKE]

Hello you guys!.. I'm a newbie w/an 89 4runner as seen in the newbie section. I heard a pretty regular clunking on the driver side up front while on the trail... I jacked it up and there is plenty of play side to side on that wheel... I guess I better get in checked out... Any toyo front end experts out there?? Thanks for any help or advice!!...

[Jerry Dixon]

I think you will have to figure out if it’s the tie rod ends (TRE) or the wheel bearing. With the Runner jacked and on a jack stand, grab the wheel and check that there is up and down play also. If so, I would say it’s the wheel bearing. And before you start replacing that bearing, have some one move the steering wheel back and forth a bit while you watch the TREs. If there is movement in them, you’ll have to change them out.

Take off the wheel, and then the brake caliper, the caliper should be able to move back then support it with a plastic wire wrap to the frame or fender. The locking hub would be next to remove, then the bearing nut lock ring, and then pull the rotor hub assembly off. I wouldn’t worry about dropping the outer bearing as you are replacing them anyway.

It’s a messy job, so get a bunch of shop towels.

Of if you can wait a week, we could get a few members over to your house and have a wrench party. Post up your thoughts…

Jerry Dixon

[SHRIKE]

Wow, Thanks Jerry!!... I meant to mention that I have a decent shop if anyone needs help. I just started collecting tools about ten years ago and have been pretty lucky at garage sales... I have built a few hotrods and restored many a vintage jap bike... However, I am new to the "locking hub" world and I have made sooo many stupid mistakes in the past, that now I am crippled by indecision and have generally learned to wait until an expert arrives... I have a 40 ton press, mig machine, engine hook etc... If anyone needs anything my shop is available. I have safe and secure storage also... I am usually available for rescue missions and I am located at US19 and HWY50 west of Brooksville, one mile from world famous Weeki Wachee.... I hope to meet up w/you guys at some point and a garage party sounds fun... My truck is for use and I am not afraid to use it until it fails, so it's not urgent. I hope to meet up with Charlie this weekend and do some light trail riding...

[SHRIKE]

I just took a another look and it is a TRE so, no biggie... I'll mess w/it during the week...