Changing wheel bearings, a final check. ASAP! Options

[Pvc99gT]

First off, im no mechanic, but i'm quite handy and i dont think this should be such a difficult task.
I know a few ppl on here have changed their bearings and im just asking for a final check to make sure ill have everything i need.

first i need to jack up the car, and put in jackstands. after that i take off the wheel and the brake rotor. i undo the clip behind the bearing and take out the bad bearing. then i press in the new bearing(do i need some special tool for this?) Then i put the clip back in and replace the rotor and the wheel and im done.
Is that correct, or did i miss something? Thats how ive gathered that its done, but im not positive.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, as im planning on replacing this thing ASAP, its clicking and grinding and driving me nuts!
Also, any special tools i would need to do this(a press?), and how much should a replacement bearing cost me?
Thanks for the help!

[t96f]

UMM yeah a press will help out QUITE a bit, but you have to pull spindles off in order to get it on a press... A press is a hydralic pushing device not something you can just run out and buy in a I'll use it one time situation.. It's a free standing unit.. a small one ie cheap will have a bottle jack as the "pusher".. I would say stop inot a local machine shop and see if they have a press there.. Tell em what you need to do and see if they would be willig to help you out.. Then pull of the spindles and take them to the machine shop with the new bearings.. Also your gonna need a large pair of cir-clip pliers.. You also forgot to mention that you have to pull the axle out of the hubb to get at the bearing...

This post has been edited by t96f: Jul 16, 2003 - 1:08 AM

[97GTinKC]

We assume you are referring to the Front wheels?
If so, you need to take the spindle off and go get the bearing pressed in, (it CAN be done at home, but takes a BIG hammer with the correct bearing drivers and dont miss) most any good auto-parts store should have a press for doing wheel bearings, havnt checked the book, but should be something like: jack up, support on frame, remove wheel, axle nut, caliper, (dont unhook hose, just hang caliper from spring with wire), rotor, outer tie rod end from spindle (may need tool for this), strut-(lower bolts only-leave strut hanging in car) with all these bolts/parts removed, the spindle part should slide off the axle, take it up and get new bearing pressed in, then put everything back, either mark where the spindle bolts to the strut and put it back to the same place or get the alignment checked afterwards. be a good idea to inspect the CV boots while its all apart already, (I would get a genuine Toyota bearing, the dealer usually has a press, too), I put 3 aftermarket bearings in my last car, they lasted about 6 months each, started growling. finally went to Mazda and got one, no more trouble!

[97GTinKC]

BTW, that clicking/grinding could be the CV joints instead of the bearing. same procedure, after you get all the stuff off, pop the axles out, there's a circlip around the inner shaft, the inner joints just sort of snap over it, try a couple of pry bars or a block of wood and a big hammer if you can get it in there anywhere
if it only does it when turning, I'd suspect the cv joints. get in a parking lot and drive in tight circles at low speed, see if it is worse then. usually indicates an outer joint prob. Inner ones usually vibrate at speed or click when taking off. (not to be confused with the known brakepad click-which usually clicks once after changing directions - like backing out, then going foward, and getting a click the next time you touch the brakes. )