I've got a problem with oil leaking into the driver side rear drum on a '98 4-runner 4x4. Does that mean the inner seal is leaking or the outer is leaking? According to one of the threads on this forum, the inner seal is much simpler to replace.

BTW, can someone explain the difference between the inner and outer axle seals? I'm having a hard time visualizing what's going on in there.

 

This thread ought to help you.

 

Excellent. But am I definitely going to need a hydraulic press to be able to change the outer seal? By all accounts, thats the leaky one and, as luck would have it, the most expensive for me to fix.

 

I followed the non-hydraulic press owner method of changing the o-ring and inner seal, cleaning out the drum and shoe, and if it still leaks take it somewhere. Seal was changed around 2months ago and i'm still leak free. It didn't seam likely but you never know until you try.

 

yea the inner seal and oring are the easiest thing. no press needed. just pull the axle, replace the seal and oring and slide the axle back in and bleed the brakes and clean or replace the shoes. more than likely it's not the outer seal but while you have the axle out I would double check the spacing of the inner most retainer to be sure it is sealing on the inner seal.

if you have to do the outer seal you CAN do it without the press but you risk damage and stinging your hands. that's what I tried first and I think my axle shaft bent a little and you risk marring up the splines too. the hardest part is pressing the stuff off, the easy part is pressing the new stuff back on because you can just use a coupling like a slide hammer and ram everything down. I usually use the press to get it close and then use the coupling/slide hammer to fine tune position the inner most retainer. it has to be really really accurate or it will leak. mine is leak free now.

 

you can get a press from harbor freight for about $70. I got the 12 ton for $99 and it comes in handy for other things too.