Writeup: 3rd gen 4Runner rear outer axle seal replacement

[Bob98SR5]

http://4runners.org/image/elocker/axle_shaft/axle_seal.jpg

3rd gen 4Runner rear outer axle seal replacement (http://www.4runners.org/writeups/rearseal)

This is a common source of failure when your rear differential breather is plugged up.

[expatoz]

Link seems dead. Anyone have a write up for this?
Thx
Mark

[Seanz0rz]

I can give you the quick version for a 3rd gen:

Remove wheel, brake drum and shoes (optional, but makes it much easier).

disconnect brake line.

Remove 4 bolts holding backing plate to axle tube.

with two people, pull axle shaft straight out.

using a seal puller available at harbor freight, remove the old seal, it will be a bear to get out.

clean mounting surface.

deep freeze new seals, remove them from freezer and take immediately to the axle tube, insert with seal driver tool, available at HF.

reassembly is the reverse. Be really sure not to put any weight on the axle seal when reinserting the shaft.

[4x4mike]

Here is a little post I did when I ended up needing to do my rear bearings.

http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?7842-Rear-axle-bearings

I had already done the easy seals and it started to leak again. Toyota seams to change the design in their seals every so often. Marlin also makes some and Napa is another popular choice.

I assume this is for your son's new 3rd gen? Is there leakage? Or is this a PM kind of thing? E-locker or regular housing? I believe the seals that are in stalled in the ends of my axle tubes are Napa and the bearings, spacers, ABS rings and axle seals on the shaft are all Toyota.

[4x4mike]

What Sean posted above is correct as well.

This is Bob's write up, it was stashed on the internet behind the Y2K articles and NKOTB mp3's.

http://web.archive.org/web/20120711025335/http://www.4runners.org/writeups/rearseal/index.htm



This might also be helpful.

http://web.archive.org/web/20130403034926/http://www.4runners.org/

[expatoz]

Thx for the replies gentlemen. Yes this is a leaking rear right tube seal on the axle for the sons 4R. I've done a 4th gen one before and it sounds like its the same procedure. I appreciate the advice about different sources for seals.

[4x4mike]

You might also want to buy the o rings for the end of the axle tubes.

http://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/rear-axle-parts/rear-axle-o-ring

Easy to replace seal.
http://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/rear-axle-parts/heavy-duty-rear-axle-ecoseal

[Seanz0rz]

I agree about the Orings, they are due for a replacement. I used Napa seals. There are two, Toyota pn 90313-48001 is not what you need (I know, because I purchased both and now have these sitting in my drawer waiting for me to do rear wheel bearings).

Napa SKF 19630 (50x70x8mm) are the correct seals. I don't have the Toyota PN on hand, but I think Bob had them in his write up.