Looks like both sides are leaking. I just hit 80.5K miles. I changed to Moble One synthetic gear oil at 60K miles. Hope this did'nt contribute to the early seal failure!. I'm going to get it fixed at the dealer - don't have the tools or the time to attempt this repair myself. Anyone have an idea as to what a fair dealer price would be to replace both rear axle seals and drum brake pads (both sides)? I'm trying not to get reamed by my local stealer. This is the first major problem I've had with my 97 Limited. I'm bummed!

 

I just got my 4runner back from the dealer and they quoted me $1100.00, so im looking else where

 

They really are stealers.

 

Man, A lot of people seem to be having trouble with axle seals leaking!!! What is the problem with them....Just a crappy design??? Or is it from Off roading???

 

yeah and what years are getting this maybe 2001-2002 4runners they fixed this problem??

 

Wayne-

Check to make sure that your breather isn't clogged or rusted closed. My driver's side was leaking because my extended breather line was pinched and it caused it to leak. Once the pinch was eliminated it hasn't leaked since and I didn't need to replace the seal.

 

You dont think it was the Mobile1 do ya? I just changed my rear diff today to Mobile1.

 

I removed the OEM breather and it was rusty but not clogged (truck has never seen any off-roading excitment). I gave it a cleaning by blowing compressed air through it and reinstalled it. I don't think the breather was the root cause of the seal leak. I'm waiting for a call back from my dealer on the repair estimate for the rear axle inner seal replacement (both sides) and rear brake shoe replacement (both sides) assuming that the brake shoes are shot once they're soaked with gear oil.

 

I noticed that mine leaked when I put in the good stuff (ie..Amsoil 75W-90) but didn't when I put in regular Gear Oil (can't remember brand but prob Valvoline or Mobile 1)

Absolutely, you must replace the rear shoes as then will be soaked in gear oil and not function properly. If you are doing this on your own dime - do the rear shoes yourself and save a few bucks.

Best of Luck
Andrew

 

FYI: Just had mine repaired...cost me $300.

 

I don't think it has to do w/the gear oil. Mine leaked when I had regular (non-syn) gear oil in it around 75,000 miles if I recall correctly. I don't have an extended or clogged breather either.

Mechanics who did mine said whoever did it last screwed up with the press. It's no wonder it leaked again. I'm assuming "again" because I bought it used & I doubt it was stuffed in their poorly from the factory.

 

If you still have your repair bill, could you post what all got repaired/replaced for $300. Also, was your rear axle seal repair done at a Toyota dealer? Mine is leaking on both the passenger and driver's sides, though the leak seems worse on the passenger side. I'm suppose to get the dealer repair estimate today and have a feeling its going to be above $300.

 

I just had my passenger side done, but it looks like Ill have to do the driver side too

Parts: Inner axle seal, outter seal, 1q of oil , spacer

Parts came to $20

Time was 3 hours = $195

Also got my wiring fixed (engine bay caught on fire a couple of weeks ago)...so it was $300 total.

 

Right Toyota fixed mine right before the 60K warranty gave out. The bill was 400, for seals, labor and rear brake shoes.

Toyota paid for it all. 59K they leaked.