I recently discovered gear oil on the underside of my 94 4Runner, above where the transfer case meets the rear driveshaft. I've attempted to attach a picture. At 195,000 miles, I don't doubt it may be a bad end seal, has anyone encountered this? Not wanting to perform the repair myself (winter - cold - lazy) I called the dealer and they cannot even quote me a price. The service person said between $300-$400, and have to look at it first.

Can I do this myself? I've replaced the end seals auto trans in GM cars I had in the 80s, do not know what all was involved here.

Thanks.

Bill
Chesapeake, VA

 

Bill
Heres a link to the FSM I found on the web tells you just whats involved with your job.
Jim

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...fsm/index.html

 

I dont know how anyone can quote a price on a repair they have not seen, I work at a deale and you can lose alot of business like that. I is probably leaking at the splines on the flange that is on the transfer case, take the driveshaft loose and check it, if so replace the seal and tighten the flange and go.

 

You can do it, you'll need a 30mm socket, I'll x2 check that in a sec'. I think I got my seals, did all including the input from trans, from napaonline or rockauto. Try to make sure you order the correct one, mislabeled some I recall, they got pictures on napaonline, but both have measurements listed. There's actualy two that could be leakin', the flange(tiny) , or rear output shaft. Get both, cheap. The nut there can be re-used, I got a little BLUE threadlocker on mine, probably not needed though, just tighten it down as far as it was, or more. Shoot, you know what else it could be, speedo cable leakin' where it comes out there. It's got an o-ring seal, you can probably find at a hardware store. Yep, 30mm.

 

Easy to replace, just like changing the pinion seal:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...eal/index.html

 

Thanks for replies....went to the dealer today and ordered the larger seal, $12.00. Probably ought to replace both. Does this require the extension housing be removed? It's odd, that the gear oil is only up on the underside of the vehicle, and not leaking. I don't see any leaking down over the rear companion flange, but I noticed it was a little wet.

I took a look at the speedo gear housing, do not think it's leaking, tho.

I think this dealer would rather scare people into bring their vehicles in for work. The service rep I spoke to on the phone was a woman, and she seemed confused over exactly what part I was referring to.

This is great forum - good tip on the seal puller, too.

Thanks again.

Bill
Chesapeake, VA

 

The t-case seal is easier to get out than the pinion. Also, be sure and apply some silicone sealant to the splines on the shaft/flange before reinstalling. Often you can get a leak around the splines.

 

Mine was doing that too. I got a really good and honest mech, he looked at it and there is a nut that backed off so he tightened it and it's fixed.

 

No remove extension housing req.

 

Thanks again guys. I appreciate the help. There's a lot of experience in this forum. Looks like I need to buy a 30mm socket now...

Bill

 

you will definately want to look much closer at www.4crawler.com , lots of information, tips and cheap tricks.

lee

 

just went ahead and replaced the companion flange seal. took some video footage of the process, but very partial.

http://eturkov.blogspot.com/2010/04/...a-4runner.html