I took my runner on a camping trip, and beleive i clogged my rear diff breater in mudd/water. I know im leaking gear oil on the rear passanger wheel. I beleive it has coated the brake pads etc. Mechanics around are saying its between $250-300 for both seals, and the bearing. How would i know if the bearing and outer seal are good without pulling it apart, could i do this job myself, i work at Advance Auto, so i might be able to get some tools/press. And if i extend my breather higher, will i still be able to submerg my rear end in water/mudd while off roading and not have to replace my seals/bearings???? thanks guys

 

No way! I doubt your wheel bearings are bad. When there's a leak it's usually the inner seal. The outter seal is to protect the bearing.

Check out the writeup on 4x4wire.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/reviews/axle_shafts/

Only this time you pull the seals out and replacing it with a new one.

 

Its just the axle seal.

 

i have had this done to mine about a month back. i had to replace the bearing, you will need a press for that. the seal is straightforward, pull the old one out and tap in the new one. this should help you out:

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...33rearaxle.pdf

if this is your first time, allow yourself extra time to do it correctly. having a shop to do the job in will be a big bonus.

lee

 

The outer seal is a dust seal for the bearing, and can only be replaced by removing the bearing. Only need to replace the dust seal if you are replacing the bearing.

The bearing is a sealed unit in and of itself and usually last over 100K miles. You only need to replace the bearing if it is worn. To test, simply jack up the axle, grab the wheel and push/pull straight in and out. If there is any play in the hub, the bearing is bad.

The inner seal keeps the diff fluid inside the axle, and is well known as prone to failure on Toyotas. The good thing is, it is quick and easy to replace.