Hi guys,
Just wanted to share a story about my rear axle seals. When I found out about the repair, I used this forum as a source of information to learn more, so I thought I would share my story here. I'm a professional engineer (electrical/computer), but not extremely knowledgeable or hands on about cars or anything beyond changing the oil or bulbs sometimes.

So I've got a 99 4Runner with 120k miles. Last week, I took the car in for pulsating brakes between 40mph-50mph, thinking that I needed to change or reshape the rotors. They told me the rotors were ok, but that I had a rear axle seal leak and that fluid might be leaking into the rear drum brakes, which might be causing the vibration while braking. They quoted ~$1000 for the repair and said they would have to send some parts out to a shop since their machine wouldnt be big enough to accomodate the 4Runner parts.

Naturally, I felt a little uneasy about both the cost and complexity of this repair, so I took the 4Runner to another shop the next day to get a 2nd opinion. This shop is staffed by an old guy with a lot of experience. The next day, he made the repairs for only $65 dollars. In line with what a lot of people on this forum have mentioned, he mentioned that the breather on the axle was simply clogged and this was causing pressure to build up in the axle. He said he unclogged it and that the vehicle should be ok for now but that I should monitor the axle carefully. No costly repairs recommended - phewww. The brakes still pulsate, but not as severely as before.

I know what many might be thinking - "cool story bro". But in any case, I thought I'd share. Would also appreciate any opinions or comments on the two shops and their recommendations, repairs, etc.

Thanks.

 

Cool, but shared. Replaced front rear axle seal years ago only to have it continue to sling oil all over the underside and land on the rear sliding glass on long trips from aerodynamics. Searched yotatech. Prescription-clean the breather. Rusty schmutz clogged bad. No gear oil on back glass now after long trip.

 

He only unclogged the rear dif breather for $65 or did he find/replace the leaking seal and/or at least clean the brake shoes? Do you see the tell-tale pattern of leaking fluid on the inside(s) of the rear wheel(s)? Does the parking brake hang up sometimes? Either way, $65 bucks is definitely better than a grand!

If getting clogged is an issue you might search 'extended dif breather' or something like that. Get the thing up out of the muck and dust.

 

The axle seals are a known issue. I know your breather was clogged....but if the seals were leaking....they still are. Very dangerous as it basically renders the rear brakes useless.

Change the seals.

 

Habanero-what does, "So easy, a girl can do it.", have to do with the price of peaches?

 

Price of peaches? Sorry, it's tongue in cheek. It offends you? I'll remove it.

 

Hab just meant that extending your differential breathers is a no brainer and an easy project all should do...

 

....and she is a girl, er woman, who has extended hers.

 

Kudos for standing up for us girls, peabody, and for peaches. And for me dropzone and rworegon. Now go OP, extend the breather, clean up the brake shoes and replace the leaking seal. So easy a me can do it.


Somebody hide the caffeine, I'm at it again.....

 

Similar story! Brakes started acting up.... parking brake locked up etc. Had a look under, and observed the classic seal failure oil pattern on the tire! I've taken the gamble of replacing the seals, cleaning the breather, servicing the rear brakes as well as replacing the shoes.... I'm hoping the bearings haven't been washed of grease... replacing the bearings IS the expensive part, as everything has to be replaced, and I don't happen have a press in my garage!
That failure was 4 months ago and everything is holding, and I hear no signs of a bearing failure.... time will tell!