JDeMello

Ok I'm about ready to replace the whole axle housing. My 96 4runner axle housing will not quit leaking from the rear seal.

It was replaced right before I bought it by midas. I got it and it started leaking again so I replaced it once. Started leaking right after that!

So i pull it off again and replaced it again this time i cut the aftermarket diff breather just to be sure it wasn't plugged plus I really made sure I got it right. and gues what It it's leaking again.

I have replaced them in my tacoma and it's been fine. One time done!

Anyone have this problems?

BruceTS

I've heard of a bent axle causing the seal to start leaking prematurely.

Jonathan

I've had mine replaced at least once too(right after i bought it to be exact). It is a big problem with the 3rd gens and should have been recalled to correct the problem, but never was. Many of us on here have had problems with the axle seals so you're not alone. I'm sure someone will chime in a with a good way to fix the problem.

JDeMello

I herd that too. but I herd it only happen on rigs running 35's or bigger or trucks that have been jumped. There are no signs of either on this truck.

Jason

JDeMello

It's comon across the board. My tacoma did it at close to 100k and this one hit around the same time. But my tacoma is fine. this one keeps leaking. I'm tempted to take it to a shop maybe I'm a tard?

Hyperlite

If the bearing goes bad the seal will leak. I went to a race shop with the bearing and seal and they pressed everything for $30

JDeMello

Thanks. I will try that next. I think I can press it my self and I might even have one.

Mikey

That's what I'd do to. I'd take it and replace the bearing and both seals. You might want to take the axle shaft to a guy who does differential work, to see if there is any problems with it. It's amazing what these guys can see that we can't. There used to problems like that.

WatsonMD

There is a technical/mechanical issue with the design of the rear axel on 4runners. I'm right there with you. I've had a total of 5 seals replaced (R&L) on my '96 SR5.

I talked with a master Toy mechanic who told me that the back spacing of the seal against the ABS ring is what is off. Sometimes by as much as 1/4 to 3/8s and inch. The method that most (good toy mechanics) use is to use a machinists marking grease and layout the position of each seal/bearing on the axel and ensure they are in the correct position. My Toy Master Mech said that toyota is aware of the problem but don't want to hassel with it at this time.

Maybe we (the collective "we") should consider filling a complaint with NHTSA . I filed one regarding a $500 ABS Computer that goes bad with age on my '97 Volvo 850 Turbo. Volvo now is going to have to replace them free till 150K miles.

Search this board and 4x4wire and you'll see there are plenty of messages regarding this issue.

Andrew

JDeMello

Hmmm. Tacomas do the same thing with or with out ABS. Are you sure it's just not a part wearing out? Like a bearing? just curious.

keisur

you should read through this thread, pay attention to the diagrams I posted about 10 posts down, it shows the offset:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ighlight=%2475

keisur

That's exactly what the problem is.

kaiberg

check out this thread..."keisur" on the boards had a lot of good info about pressing off the bearings and spacing the seals...check out the pics and diagrams

kaiberg

hey keisur...looks like you chimed in anyway while i was tracking down the thread...nice

its2slo

leave the tacos out of it, its a runner thing

JDeMello

Thanks for the write up. I'm going to do this when I have time. Looks easy enough!