i searched and searched and cant find a write up on changing the front axle seals on a 99 4runner. I drained and refilled my front diff today and then rode to town(about 10 miles) after getting to town i noticed 2 puddles forming under the front and got down and checked it out and found gear oil leaking from both sides of the diff where the axles go into the diff, if someone can post a link to a write up or thread that can help me with this that would be great, or if anyone has any other ideas why its leaking on both sides other than the axle seals let me know.
Thanks

 

Factory service manual can be found using the FSM link in my sig

 

There's pics of a cv shaft removal near the end of my 'build' thread, maybe last page post #310, see sig.... I wrote what I did but I won't call it a tutorial 'cause I don't have the experience for it.
I can say it was so easy a girl could do it .....twice in just over a year's time

Somehow overfull? Unlikely the breather's clogged, but...? Doesn't seem right they'd stay dry, a refill and now not unless it was really low. Again, not a mechanic, that's just how my thought process would go.

(ocdropzone, I love that you've got the FSM there, always easy to find when I need it.)

 

i guess i left that out, it was low when i drained it. Thats another question i meant to ask is where is the breather for the front diff, i couldnt find one. it may be covered i mud as well.

 

In my 96 it's up in the engine compartment, check the left (driver's side) wheel well, directly below the moo-box about 9" or so. You're looking for a hose coming up from underneath with a silver cap-like thing at the top of it.

 

oh i think i know what your talkin about, ive sen that sitting down there and thought it was some type of sensor.

Edit: i thought about this, the front calls for 75w 90 and 80w 90 in the rear, i put 80w 90 in all 3. Could that have anything to do with it starting to leak after being changed?

 

UPDATE!!!! Ok, got the runner back on the road today. So far so good no leaks at the seals. Im about to go degrease the underside of the trk from where the gear oil got all over EVERYTHING when it was leaking. Here's hoping for no leaks anytime soon! im actually thinking about degreasing the underside any then going to find a mud hole? To much to soon you think?

 

Make sure to top off the diff with more gear oil. It's probably underfilled since it leaked everywhere.

 

Yeah i made sure i did that, Thanks Scuba

 

For future reference, sticking these seals in the freezer for a day makes them slide in nearly effortlessly so it's easier to get the perfect depth.

 

awesome thanks ill remember that for next time