After reading so many posts about wheel seal leaks I was wondering if anyone has thought of installing a seal with a smaller ID (assuming the bearing is in good shape) to produce a tighter fit around the axle shaft.
Anyone with better info please correct me, the inner seal ID is 50mm, I don't know the material (a must know) but I found a place that has a seal(different materials to pick from) with a 48mm ID and same dimensions. I myself have changed my seals a few k miles ago and already have one leaking again. Having been a mechanic for about 12 years I have never heard of another vehicle with such frequent wheel seal leaks. I dont think Toyota has a recall
but you would think this can't be normal so I figured why not think outside the
box. What do you guys think about the smaller ID seal idea? Opinions/comments please, thanks

 

What brand did you install? I too scratch my head as to why this is an issue with these vehicles. Have you checked your breather? Mine is extended and definitely not pinched... though I had a seal blowout a month ago.

I think 2mm is a pretty substantial difference. Try it out, let us know how it goes.

 

I havent really heard of Frequent axle seal leaks unless something is tweaked and not running straight. I think trying a different seal is avoiding a problem. Are you sure you installed them correctly? Marlin offers a few heavy duty seals. Not sure what your looking for, since you dont clarify, front solid axle, or rear?

2mm smaller would be way to much. I work at les schwab and see 100's of different axel seals and the plastic type rubber they are made of is deffinatly not that strechy.

 

Not only that, but it would probably wear out faster since the rubber(or whateva)would be too tight against the axleshaft causing more friction than necessary. The spring holding the lip of the seal around the axleshaft would be over-stretched too(also too tight), aiding the seals demise.