Mad Chemist

Well, should have known better than to start work on the 4runner on a Sunday night, knowing that its what I use to get back and forth to work. Decided that it couldn't take that long to replace the rear brakes....

In the process, I found that the seal on the driver's side rear wheel is leaking, found a bit of axle grease in/around the drum. There wasn't a ton, it didnt' look like the pads got contaminated. However, my understanding is that there shouldn't be any, so this is a problem I'll have to fix sooner than later. Went ahead and cleaned everything up, and risked putting the new pads on anyways. I figure I'll replace the seal soon enough before the leaking gets any worse. I move onto the other side, get new pads on, just finishing the assembly when brake fluid comes shooting out at me! Apparently I managed to puncture the rubber gasket on the brake cylinder as I was taking everything apart. Oh joy! I look up at the clock to see that the parts stores just closed. Serves me right for doing preventive maintanence on parts that still had some life in them!

midiwall

DOH!

If you need to replace that rear seal, then you might as well do the bearings at the same time while you have the axle out. I got the bearings pressed out, new ones put in (and new seals) for a total of about $300.

I bought the bearings from Schucks, then pulled the axles and brought them to Action Machine on Aurora (17012 Aurora Ave North, 98133, 206.546.2082) to get the old out and the new in. They gave me about a 4 hour turn-around...

Mad Chemist

Damn, 300 bucks! It does make sense to do it while I'm in there, and that Action Machine isn't that far from me now that I'm in Lake Forest Park. How much was it for the seal(s)? It seems like I'm joining a growing number of us that have problem with the seals on the rear axle- I think Keisur already replaced his a couple of times?

Picked up a wheel cylinder today from Schucks, they had one in stock. I tell ya, its nice going on Partsamerica.com and being able to track down a store that has the part you need as opposed to having to ordering it.

User 051420

I'm on rear axle seal replacement #3. It gets annoying after a while. Good luck with the repairs.

midiwall

The machine shop got both the inners and outters for me.. I paid $60/axle for the pressing, and the total bill with tax was like $154, so that would put the seals at like $4/5 each (two inners, two outters and they put the outters on).


Yeah... 'member the rash of 'moaning/noise/bearing threads a little while back?


The cylinder is quick to put on... I found a torn boot in there a few months ago and had to replace one. Remember to have a catch-pan handy for the brake line when you open it up... You'll be dripping fluid until you can get the new cylinder on.

DarylD

Hey David , Use a Toyota axle seal from a 2wd 4runner , it looks to be a better design , part # 90310-50005 . Probably Special order . also get the speed sensor reluctor(ring) these need to cut off while pressing off the bearings . call me if you have any questions or if you need your bearings pressed . Daryl

Mad Chemist

Thanks Daryl- you rock! Think you could sneak my axle into the toyota shop for the press work when I get around to it?

DarylD

PM sent

Mad Chemist

Thanks guys- and great tip on the alternative replacement part number Daryl- I'll be in touch...