So I bent the axel shaft on driver side. I check to make sure it wasn't the housing and all that. The shaft and install parts were 244$. Went to get it installed and was told i needed to order a new abs ring. Well My boss called dealership and the parts store he gets his parts from ( I work at a body shop) and both said there was five parts that were also going to have to be replaced and in total it cost 1200$ not including labor....


So my options are
1. Screw abs and speedometer sensor migigore
2. Pay for the fix. (I'm verry low on funds due to college. )
3. Buy a whole used axle( never know what could be wrong with that one...



What do y'all think?

$1200 plus labor?! No way.

I had a local machine/diff shop do bearings and abs rings on both axle shafts for like $400. I imagine the 5 parts that need to be replaced are various retainer rings and such. Go find yourself a machine shop and take your new shaft in there. Labor you can do yourself, you literally slide the shaft in the housing and tighten 4 nuts. Look into rear axle seals while youve got it torn apart.

Seriously, if you work in a body shop you can handle pulling the axle assembly out yourself. Don't pay that kind of money for it. I was just quoted $424 to do all the parts and labor for rear brakes/wheel bearings/axle seals (both sides) if I pulled the axles and carried them in at a local Toyota specialty shop. I cheaped out and opted to do it myself, but now that I'm on week two of being without my 4runner, I'm thinking that $424 was a pretty good deal.

I snapped a rear axle shaft (I have ABS as well). I called up Nix99 up in Washington state and he shipped me down a direct replacement for under $200. (Used OEM).

Drove back into the middle of Baja and swapped it out!

There is a good write up on here by bigfishallday. It is called ultimate rear axle seal replacement or something of the like.

I would post the link but am on my phone. It should come up in the search.

Real thorough write up.

Here she is:
Rear Axle Seals: The Ultimate Information and Replacement Thread (3rd gen)

My right passengers side seal failed and has been leaking for about a week now... I'm debating on whether or not to do it myself based up that thread. It doesn't seem like too big of a task and really saves so cash so

I agree with this if you want to actually replace the ring. I would probably just go to a junkyard and find a used one. Yeah you are buying used bearings that way, but that doesn't seem to be a big problem with these. It will certainly be alot cheaper, and the install would be a breeze. Shoot I have a pair I'd sell you, but the shipping would be prohibitively expensive.

I did this yesterday. Not have the bearings replace but replace the seals. It is easier than changing front brake pads, honestly.

Have the right tools. I would get the driver kit and a seal puller from harbor freight if there is one around you. You'll have them forever and maybe will only use them 3 times, but it's worth it.

I got in a hurry with the other side after I did the first side. Ruined a seal. Luckily the dealer keeps them in stock. I'd buy three and return one if the runner is your only set of legs.

Rear axle lube will spill everywhere. One trick, and it's common sense, is do one side at a time and jacking that side way up. I was able to do this on one side and I'd say I lost maybe 4 oz of lube.


Really, it's easy. I did it in my hilly gravely driveway with no power tools.

Thanks guys. Oh and to clarify I don't work on the cars.. I'm like the errand guy

removing the axle shaft is almost easier than changing a tire, you can do it.

How did you determine that the axle shaft was bent? I've never heard of a shaft bending. The housing yes but you said that you checked it. Is it binding in the housing? did you remove it ad check the runout with a dial? Just asking.

thanks

sam

If you have access to a press then I suggest buying a new bearing, seal, axle shaft and whatever else and replacing everything yourself (or with help). Sure as hell beats $1200. I'll tell you one thing though, those shafts aren't cheap. I've been through this twice. I was just a little more fortunate to have friends with spare parts.

Try the junk yard as well for some parts.