shooter

1998 4Runner LTD 2WD

I took a couple pictures of the problem - the right rear axle seal. I am trying to figure out what I need to replace - both the inner and outer seals or just one or the other? I do not have a complete repair history on the vehicle, but I haven't done any work on the rear axle in the past five years

Also, if I am in there do I want to do the wheel bearing (I am not aware of any problem with it) or just leave it be?

Also from reading other posts, I know I need to do the brakes once things are resolved since they will be contaminated.

Thanks!
shoot

Cal01

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f128...4runner-76339/

fightman80

Cal01's link should be of great help! Make sure you change your differential breather as well, and if you can, maybe do the diff breather mod. The breather clogs up, and the pressure created inside the diff causes the seal to blow. If you don't change the breather, you'll be re-doing the seal, almost immediately.

Speaking from experience.....found out through the forum....after spending $600 to do it 3 times!!

CYi5

Really depends how thorough you want to be. For a quick fix, replace inner seal (o-ring too for kicks) and use brake cleaner or degreaser on your brake shoes. Orr inner seal and new brake shoes. Orr for the whole shabang - inner and outer seals, o-rings, wheel bearings, brake shoes.

The inner and o ring you can do yourself, the rest you will need a press for.

eddieleephd

x2

to replace the outer seal you will be better off replacing the bearing at the same time to reduce further cost at a future point in time since the bearing has to come off at the same time as the outer seal!

to replace the bearing or the outer seal you will need a bearing locking ring that holds the bearing in place the bearing and seal.
Then take it to a machine shop or auto place that has a press and have them do it for like $50 to $90.

the ring has to be heated to be removed so it will be thrown away.
the inner seal can be removed with a large screw driver and installed with a large socket and a hammer use grease on the outside of the seal to make it easier to drive in and be sure to drive it in straight to prevent damage!

make sure that the socket is as big as the outside of the seal so you dont risk damaging the seal!

I highly suggest replacing both seals the bearing and the breather on the differential for the best fix and no future issues!

pepsilvr

I replaced the inner seals on both sides, never an O ring or anything else. Like everyone else said, depends on how thorough you want to be.

I would recommend renting a "bearing race and seal driver" set from your local auto parts store (they usually loan them for free with a deposit) It makes life A LOT easier. If it is your first time, buy 2 seals in case you bend one (it is easy to do). They are usually around $5-$8 each.

xcmountain80

Maybe I'm missing something but when I pulled my shafts with 230K on them the bearing were still fine. I swapped the seals and called it a day. Cleaning the breather can help just submerge it in some hot soapy water. The bearings aren't easy to get off, and I took them into my local shop and they told me they were still good. You will need a press (IIRC). The seals are easy to do and grease everything well (o ring and what not).

A

pepsilvr

Yeah, I don't think there is a need to replace the bearings unless there is a problem. Mine has 216K on it and still original bearings. I don't plan on replacing them until I need to.

bobzworld

anyone have the part # to the original toyota outer seal? or can i just walk into the dealership and say i need a rear outer axel seal for my 02 4runner sport?