Needle bearing...

Got mine put in today. It didn't affect the noise I had just spinning the wheel off the ground, I believe that's normal gear roll, but it's smooth and quiet at 40mph now!

I saw some people saying their bearing was broken when removed, I think that's happening when the tool gets tapped in place. I noticed a small void in my race and fished the broken part out with a magnet, might be something to consider when a larger piece comes off.

The only problem I had was getting the cv shaft out. I've removed many in my life but this one hung on for dear life. I noticed the clip on these isn't round like most I've seen, there are 2 lobes on it. when I finally got the shaft (clip) rotated where it wanted to be and kept the shaft level it popped right out.

 

Ive only had one or two that were so bad that the needle capturing "basket" failed and spit them into the diff. Ive had a few of the needles fall out after pulling the CV also. That is more common. Also that clip can be a BITCH! Good on you not giving up!

 

Are those things less likely to happen if you replace it before there are symptoms?

 

Yeah. The cage that holds the needles will get worse the longer it is getting the vibration. Luckily the axle holds the needles in pretty well so it is not typical for a quick catastrophic failure but the longer it goes the more likely an issue with the needles getting into the diff. Like I said though, I've only had one or two that got that far so it is not very common

 

Curious - does the needle bearing sleeve have different edges front & back like the ECGS bushing, as in, only goes in one way?

 

Yes. Every bearing I've ever installed has markings (manuf, model, size etc) on one face. This is the face where you apply pressure to install. So in most cases, facing out.

Jason

 

No. It is caged in. Both sides look the same. The outer metal is rounded over (see below). The vibration wears and crushes the retention metal between the needles and allows them to start moving more and not which speeds up the wear. When they open up enough, they are no longer retained. The axle typically holds them in and they fall out occasionally when the axle is removed. I've only seen one or two where the needle has gotten past the outer lip of the bearing and into the diff.

 

Caged in I don't think so if I'm understanding you correctly.

That thin piece of metal between each needle is what holds it in. If one side fails the needle can come out. Of course after that it would need to get past the CV but sounds like when it gets real bad the tolerance is so far off the needle can slip by.

 

Exactly. When those little retention metal pieces get worn it starts spitting the needles, the axle keeps them trapped for a while but eventually, enough space can be made for them to start getting out. It will take a WHILE (in my opinion). Like I said. I've only seen it one or twice get that bad.

 

I paid a shop to do the needle bearing replacement on my 03 Tacoma, over ten years ago, back when ecgs bushing was barely a thing.

paid the shop $700 to replace the needle bearing with a new needle bearing.. no difference obviously.. I was just desperate and trying things..

fk you Toyota.