Passenger side CV half shaft 1987 Celica GTS

[Anse]

I'm working on my daughter's '87 GTS Coupe (too many problems to mention) and I had a question about the passenger side CV axle. The inner boot on her's was torn open and it was throwing grease everywhere. I bought a replacement unit and plan to install tomorrow. However, I noticed that the carrier bearing on the new unit is unusually tight. The old one, of course, is very loose and spins freely. However, it takes a little bit of effort to spin the new one by hand.

I would assume that the bearing would loosen up rather quickly with use, but in your experience, were the bearings tight initially on replacement axles that you have installed in your cars? I don't want this thing to heat and bind, and if it's not performing correctly, then I would want to take it back now before I start putting parts back on the car.

Are there any special considerations/instructions when installing this axle? I installed a new transmission seal, and I'll be ready to button it up once I install the new struts on the car tomorrow. Based on what I've read, ATF is probably the transmisison fill of choice for this year Celica (had 90w in it, I believe).

Thanks in advance for your help.

[toyomoho]

The bearing is shielded thus there may be some drag. Don’t expect it to spin like a top.

How hard is it to turn?

Do the shields on the side look damaged, dented?

[Anse]

The sheilds look fine, and nothing looks damaged. It's just a lot harder to turn than the old one. It won't move unless I apply a little bit of force. I have to hold the axle with one hand and give a pretty good twist before it will move. I imagine it will loosen up with a little bit of use. As mentioned above though, the old one spins freely. I can give it a good spin and it will just keep going. This why I wasn't sure if this was proper behavior for the new bearing.