So I've had this reoccurring problem with my 4runner. It's 97 sr5 4wd 5spd. Well, one of the rear axle seals started leaking and I got it fixed, then the opposite side started leaking. The mechanic mentioned that both seals were leaking, not just the one side. So he replaced both for free trying to make sure that it was done right.

Within a few months one of them was leaking again, so I took it back to the mechanic, and he had an actual toyota dealership mechanic come and double check all his work. He also only charged me parts that time around. After I got it back I got the tip on the vent being plugged. So then I looked at the vent and it seemed gunked up, so I twisted it until it could spin freely again. Within 2 months a seal was leaking again, so I took it back to the mechanic and he said that now both seals were leaking again. Not only that, he checked the rear diff vent and said he was able to blow air through it just fine.

So I have the truck back and the mechanic didn't change anything for fear that it would just come back. He suggested I take it to a dealership and get a guarantee on the replacements.

Has anyone else ever come across this? This is getting rediculous. Does it sound like I need a new rear end?

 

had the same problem in one of my mustangs last year, check your bearings. They might be worn to the point of letting the axle shaft wobble a bit. It doesn't take much.

 

The bearing should of been replaced. Toyota has an updated seal for the taco's and 4runners. Next time get seal # 90311-50006

 

Bearings are bad. When I come across Tacoma's with leaky rear axle seals, usually 9 out of the 10 times the bearings are bad. The Toyota tech should have known this and have the bearings replaced.

James

 

That's just it, though. The bearings were replaced both times. The tech told me that when you get oil like that through to the brake side, you need to replace the inner and outer seal, the wheel bearings, and the brakes. The last time he did it he even used the updated seal, but that was on the driver's side only I think (because he passenger wasn't leaking at the time).

Now, two months later, they both are leaking again.

 

Been there done that several times.What I believe is the problem is that the retainer(the piece that that the seal rides on) was not pressed on correctly.Mine was barely touching the seal,Any movement at all of the axle the fluid would leak past the retainer and wipe out the bearing grease,which in turn makes even more movement from the axle and leaks more.

What needs to happen is the whole axle assembly pressed apart and bearing replaced,and this time the retainer need to be pressed a FEW MM MORE towards the inside of the housing,which then gives a larger surface for the seal to ride on.

see this post,second page:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/r...79/index2.html

 

Try the heavy duty rear axle seals from Marlin

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=31311.0


You can also damage the seal during the install by letting the axle shaft rest against the seal while inserting the axle in the housing. You have to fully support the axle the whole time until you have it bolted down.


Could also be a bent axle shaft

 

Thank you guys SOOO much. If you have other ideas keep them coming. I'm taking notes!

I'll be talking to the mechanic about all this to see if we can figure this out.

 

So looking at these seals, is the updated Toyota seal like the Marlin seal? Has anyone used the Marlin seal? Which one would you guys recommend?

 

Same question
Can anyone that has seen or used both seals (OEM 903310-50006 or Marlin ) comment on which one is best or are they one and the same seal....

Also can the inner seal be positioned better In/Out to seal better or do these new and improved seals take care of the problem?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Onroad vehicle with moderate to light wheeling? OEM seal but please take note and have the bearings checked...seals don't just keep going bad for no reason. This is a KNOWN problem on the 3rd gen 4Runners.

 

I would wonder how freely the air was really able to blow through it? It may be worth the few bucks to jsut replace the vent with a new one from toyota. Perhaps its become clogged again?

 

is it a recall issue? be nice since my right side just failed this weekend.
same OEM seal for ABS?


maybe its time to look for a e-locker

 

They fixed mine under the 60K drivetrain warranty.