Optimus

Just picked up a new-to-me 1998 T100 4x4 SR5 3.4L V6 with only 122k. I pulled off the rear drums to check the rear brakes and the passenger side was coated in gear oil (not brake fluid). I am looking for some assistance and tips at doing the seal change myself.

I've done rear axle seals, pulled 3rd members, etc... on the older and smaller pickups/4runners (e.g. 1984-1995) but not a T100 before and it looks to be a bit different. There is an ABS sensor for one thing, and I'm not sure how that's handled.

I just ordered a factory service manual off eBay but it won't get here for a week and it will probably tell me I need a bunch of special tools (when I probably won't need them). I may buy a Hayne's manual too, but not just yet. Sometimes one manual is better than the other for explaining things, and sometimes it's vice versa. Anwyay,

I'm looking for real world tips on how to do this. Is this as simple as removing the tire, undoing 4 bolts holding the rear axle assembly in place, disconnecting the rear brake line, sliding the axle out, ripping the old seal out with a seal puller, and whacking the new one in place (large sockets usually worked well for me on the small trucks/4runners). What do I do about the ABS sensor?

I'm trying to plan all this in advance because I want to get it down by this weekend and have minimal to no downtime.

HighLux

Its as simple as that...check the bearings while you are at it. Getting the seal to the exact depth is the trick. too far...leaks...to shallow...leaks.

Clean the brakes up...and do yourself a favor and put new brake shoes if they have any gear oil on em.

Optimus

Thanks--does the ABS sensor unplug some how? it didn't look like the typical wiring harness connector. I'm assuming it has a waterproof cover over it of some sort, but I'm not sure how the thing comes out or at least unplugs. I've read on other vehicles that it somehow needs to be reinserted to the proper depth, and that there's a ring here pressed on the axle that might hit the sensor if not dealt with properly. I only took a quick look at this last night at 9pm and it was 25F degrees outside, but it looked I'd I'd need to unplug the ABS sensor so the axle will even be able to slide out (e.g. electrical wire isn't long enough to let the axle slide out very far).