Replacing wheel bearings on a 95 series Prado

[carrot]

Ahhhh, I can't find my Gregory's manual for my Prado...

My front wheel bearing needs replacing. Would it be cheaper and easier for me to 1) replace the whole steering knuckle (or is it called the stub axle??) with a 2nd hand one, 2) just change the bearings, or 3) replace a smaller assembly than the whole steering knuckle?

I've replaced the steering knuckle before, so I know how to do that. So far I've heard it'll cost me about $235.

I haven't replaced the bearings before. I think the job involves a press, is that right? I don't have a press, but maybe I could manage with a hammer, some punches and a bench vice?? I've heard the bearing kit costs about $190.

Is there a smaller assembly than the whole steering knuckle that I could replace? I heard someone say something about a 'hub assembly.' Is that a bolt off - bolt on job, and if so should I replace that with a good 2nd hand one?

Any suggestions on this job are welcome!

[cruzinnboozn]

While i know not not much about prados, i thought it would be easier to just do the bearings.

I have changed lots of bearing and never used a press yet.....just a punch, hammer and a bench vice.

Have you asked on a Prado specific site like Prado point??

[ferrit]

they are a PRICK to do on the prado- Double race sealed bearings. Old man had to farm his out to a mechanics because we couldnt get em to move with a big engineers vice, big hammer and big drifts.

Werent cheap bearings either- your $190 would be close to an EACH price.

[carrot]

Well, I found a wrecker selling the steering knuckle assembly / stub axle thingy for $100, so I put that one in and it seems to be good. Yeah, after a bit more shopping around I found the bearing kits were around about $175 - $200 each! I don't think they need to be changed too often, I'm up to 225,000 and I've just replaced the 2nd of the 2 front bearings.

After what Ferrit said, I'm glad I didn't attempt the bearing replacement job at home!