jdmaccord6

I was underneath my 4runner today just checking to make sure everything is ok, and noticed a bunch of fluid all over the rear driver wheel. Sure enough, i searched here and i'm about 99% sure it's the axle seal/bearing that will need to be replaced. I know people have done it hear themselves, but how much would it cost if i took it in? Just trying to gauge that versus attempting to do it myself. Also, would it be wise to just do both driver an passenger side now? Or wait until the other one goes on me. Thanks.

jdmaccord6

bump, has anyone else brought their truck in for this? or does everyone just do it themselves?

scuba

If I were you I would just call the dealer you would take it to and ask.

stir_fry_boy

To tell you the truth, it depends on what parts they replace. Some they are able to reuse and some are not. It just depends on the wear. My brother took his 98 Limited to the dealer and just to replace the seals they quoted him $270 / side. Which included the oil seal but not any other parts. He called them in the middle of it and asked how it was going and if he needed to be aware of anything. They told him that the estimate had changed to $1000!!! He asked why and they said that there were some parts they didn't know if they could reuse (and he was pissed). I can't remember the names of them, but they were expensive. Anyway, in the end he only had to do one side (more common to do just one) and paid just under $300.

904_runner

The dealer is going to charge you WAY TOO MUCH IMO.

I ordered my wheel bearings and seals from marlin crawler. pull the axle shaft and take it to a machine shop and have them press the bearing off and on. Your looking at $50 plus parts.....

Are you sure the bearings will need replacing? If so then replace the bearing on that one side, and might as well do the seal on teh other side while you are at it..

stir_fry_boy

X2! $270 for labor to replace the oil seals which are about $12 /ea from the dealer is a rip off. The only reason why my brother took his 98 to the dealer is that he went to get a quote from an independent mechanic and he told him that they use a special $500 tool to do it. He tore into another 3rd Gen T4R before and figured out he couldn't repair it and put it back together and didn't charge the guy. I later learned that it was easy and after seeing the photos of the people who have done it, it doesn't look hard. Just pay someone to do the bearings if you need to and you will be set!

904_runner

exactly...


The outter axle seal is super easy to replace. Ive replaced quite a few. Now the berings you will want to have pressed on and off. that is where a machine shop comes in. Napa charges $45 i think. Ive had that done a few times also.

jdmaccord6

Yeah, i was looking up parts as well, and those themselves are not expensive at all. I just didn't know how long it would take me to pull it off and have it replaced (down time because it's my daily driver). I'm not sure if the bearing is bad or not right now since again, i can't see anything in there. But i figured if my truck is a right at 98k miles wouldn't it be cheaper and less time consuming to do it all now, then have to tear into it again down the road? How often should that bearing be replaced if i don't do it now?

904_runner

i wouldn't worry about the bearing unless it is howling or when you pull the axle shaft out it doesn't spin smoothly or has play in it.

It is really simple to remove the axle shafts..

Pull off wheel.
Undo brake line.
Undo parking brake
undo 4 bolts on back of drum backing plate (attached to axle housing) then out slides the axle shaft.

Elton

i did one on my friends 89 was way to easy took me 3hrs including time at the machine shop to have the outer seal and bearings replaced all said and done was about 100 dollars its almost as easy as changing your oil

jaypee784

I just had the seals replaced in the rear axle because they were leaking and it cost me $410 parts and labor (4 hours) to do both sides.

sdsurfer

i had to do right rear. I took it to KMT where I used to work they did it all for 160 dollars and I bought parts. 190 in parts and make sure to install new brake shoes too since your old one are soaked in gear oil. I will do diff breaTHER MOD SOOOON

rearviewmirror

I had mine done at the dealership, with new rear brakes, the total came to $1k. Sucks but it has to be done. Once every ten years isn't that bad... Over the years I've learned the benefits of using the dealer for service, even if you pay a bit more for it. If you know a service writer you can get a hookup. I would never DIY rear axle seals, if time and frustration have a monetary value I'm sure it would be around $1k for me.

jaypee784

True, I had to replace the shoes too. They wouldn't pass my inspection unless I did for that very reason, covered in gear oil.

BigBallsMcFalls

700 bucks total from a good non-dealer shop

that means 2x bearings, seals, abs timing gear, and juice

sdsurfer

wow i must have got a deal...

algranger

Not sure how much a shop will quote you but it can be done in an hour or so.. its very easy.

Just remove 4 bolts (per side) disconnect brake lines and the park brake cable, pull the axle shafts out, replace seals and reassemble. Think it took me about 2 hours my first time

stir_fry_boy

Yea, especially if they undid the bearings and replaced the seals behind them.

Ted Ueltschi

what the hell kinda oil change takes 3 hours?? if it's as easy as changing oil.

sharrack

After doing these seals more than once .....there are pitfalls for the DIY guy.
use the correct seal install tool......failure to do so will destroy that new seal in a second. There is no short cut like tapping the edge with a hammer etc.
jus sayin..... 🙂