Axle install question.

Good evening,

I recently removed my original axle and replaced it with a Dorman axle assembly (rear bearing went bad). Yeah yeah I know Dorman, but the Amazon reviews looked promising so I decided to try it. Upon install of the axle, the studs would only go close flange. I removed the Dorman axle and reinstalled the original axle and same thing. So I had the wife turn the opposite side rotor and I repeatedly installed the axle about 10 times with the same result. I decided after reading through the service manual on the task to slowly tighter the nuts in an X pattern little by little until it was flush and tq’d to spec.
After asking on Facebook, which was a mistake I started to doubt my decision. Wanted to come here and ask and see what you guys think. Everything sounds smooth as glass when I turn the axle.
Thanks

 

Sorry I should be specific on my truck. 2015 Pro.

 

I wish I could help ya but have never replaced an axle.
There's a Toyota mechanic on here that should be able to help you out.
Have you tried calling your local Toyota Dealer?

 

From what I remember when I've done any toyota rear axle work, I've often had to use the nuts to pull the axle the rest of the way in. Just like yours. If I'm not mistaken it's probably pulling the axle bearing spacer into the axle seal lip.

 

How many miles til the bearing went bad and what were the symptoms? I'm asking cause I may have an issue with mine but trying to see what the symptoms are.

 

I can tell you on my 2020 when I installed my LSD this year I had to pull the axles, they did not get replaced but when I reinstalled they went back in flush with no issues. I didn’t have to use the nuts on the studs to make it seat properly.

 

For me it was a notable humming noise on the highway between 40-60. 60 being the absolute worst. 75-80 was barely noticeable. I lifted the rear wheel and put it in drive and you could definitely hear some noise. About the mileage, mine was at 100k but I just bought this truck last month. It definitely was like this when I got it though. I thought it was the tires when I was driving home, definitely wasn’t the tires.

 

Appreciate it. I’ve seen a two videos where it just drops on. We’ll see once I get it all together

 

Haven’t tried calling the dealer yet.

 

I have over 62000 miles on my 19 and i hear a slight humming but its been like that for a few years around the 50 mph mark and it seems to have stayed pretty consistent in noise never getting worse.

 

Sounds maybe like tires? As long as rear diff isn't low on oil or something like that. My rear wheel bearings made it to about 200k miles. I couldn't tell you when they started making noise since I bought the truck needing bearings.

 

Also, did you compare axle lengths between the new and old? I just realized you got a Dorman. Very unlikely but if the new axle is longer that could cause issues. How hard was it to snug those nuts? If they tighten really hard just to pull that axle in, be concerned. If it tightens rather smooth with moderate resistance I'd chalk it up to new axle splines in an old carrier and/or new axle seal.

 

Went to my local Toyota dealer here in Texas and all the techs were too busy to help or even talk. They did say I could drop it off for $105 bucks lol.

 

I sure did, side by side. I was actually Impressed with Dorman’s axle assembly compared to OEM. Tightening the nuts was super easy with little resistance. I’m leaning towards it’s good to go and if I can get this done I’ll be pretty happy I saved a chunk of cash.