Symptoms
A hum from the front that becomes a growl, then a howl, and gets louder with speed. With the wheel off the ground, there's play when you rock it at 12 and 6 o'clock.
The fix, step by step
- The 70 uses the same tapered-roller hub design Toyota has used since the 40 Series.
- Remove the locking hub, take off the lock nut with a 54 mm socket and tighten the bearing back up.
- Sometimes that and fresh grease are all it needs.
- If the bearings are worn, replace them.
- Many owners service the swivel hubs at the same time, since they need doing periodically anyway.
Tools & part numbers
- 54 mm hub socket
- torque wrench
- bearing grease
- new tapered roller bearings and seals if replacing.
Where to buy the parts
Front wheel bearing kit (Koyo), 1998–2019 solid-axle non-US 7x (FAWB9819SAK)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Front axle rebuild kit, 8/1999–2019 7x non-ABS (FA9919)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Front axle rebuild kit, 8/2012+ 7x with ABS (FA1219)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.