I recently acquired a free 1990 V6 4x4 4runner. It has a leak on the inside of the half shaft due to a "seal". I was told by the person who gave it to me that if I had to pull the half shaft to get to the seal I should just replace the half shaft. The boots look brand new and the half shaft looks to be in decent condition. What is your take on this? Also, I have the Mechanics manual on it, but it does not reference the seal. What is the actual name of it?

Thanks,
Rottjr

 

Not sure what seal is leaking but the shaft has an inner and outer boot. They are replaceable but if one is split and leaking it is a lot easier to just buy a new/rebuilt shaft. If it's the side seal in the diff then you have to remove the shaft, pull the stub shaft from the diff and replace the seal. That's a fairly easy fix.

 

Thanks so much for the fast response. It is the seal inside the front diff.

 

If you're up to trying the fix yourself there is a link to a factory manual half way down this page. I've replaced one and it's doable with the diff still in the vehicle.

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/index.html