While having my 98 4Runner brakes inspected, I recently found out my left rear axle seal was blown and needs to be replaced.

The service guy said that they looked up on the Toyota TSB (technical service bulletin) and told me that for 98 4Runners, they've had issues of the seals going bad soon after they've been replaced because of some incorrect axle size; the only way to correct that was to replace both axles. When he quoted me a price of $2600, I said, uh, NO! (The interesting thing is that I asked to read the TSB when I picked up the car, and he couldn't find it)

First off, has any one heard of this TSB for 98 4Runner rear axles? There's a lot of info here, but I haven't found any threads yet on this issue. If you know of a thread, please send it or attach it. Tx

Finally, are the rear axle seals (or replacing the axles) really that simple to fix for a non hard core mechanic, like me, who doesn't mind getting grease under his nails? They quoted me $600 to fix both seals, but I'm not too interested in having a mechanic take my money after reading some of the postings here, where it will only cost me $50~ for parts.

Thanks!!!
Rod

 

Not sure about the TSB...

The seals are relatively simple to replace...I'll do it for $500

Just Kidding, where are you located? Chance are there is a YT member near by who can help.

 

Never heard of a TSB, but it very common for those seals go go out. If you can replace your brake shoes, then doing the seal replacement is quite easy, unless the wheel bearings need replacing.

After the brakes are apart, disconnect the brake line, parking brake cable, then remove the 4 bolts that hold the axle in and simply pull it apart. RR the seal in the axle tube, carefully repack the sealed bearing, yes it can be done, the easiest way is get a needle fitting for a grease gun and slip it past the seal and fill it full.

Oh and make sure you degrease everything, if the shoes are wet, your better off buying new one's.

 

Here's a writeup for you:

https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech...m1_oilseal.htm

 

Awsome thanks!!! I feel a little bit better and now wonder if the guy was blowing upward smoke.

Yeah, the brake shoes will need to be replaced; it's covered with oil.

I saw the write up for seal replacement earlier, and forgot to bookmark it. Thanks again! I live in Seattle area.

 

Replacing the shoes in the drum brakes are about 10x harder than the replacement of the seal.

 

I could help you sometime next week no problem if you need it. Its rediculously easy to fix and I live in Sammamish (outskirts of seattle). $600 is a joke. Let me know, Im out of town this weekend till next wendsday though im free all day long since I work at night.
Phil