[Kurtmann415]

Originally Posted by Ron Helmuth

...
x8 on the sticky for the 3rd gen sub forum. This is a very common failure that if caught before it happens does not have to cost an arm and a leg to fix. edit I don't think even YOTA TECH has a writeup this detailed over there. Would you care to make them aware of it and have it posted up over there? It is stunningly valuable for all 3rd gen owners.

I'm relatively new to the site/4runners in general, pardon a stupid question but

What would the preventative step be to keep the rear axle seal from blowing?

Just replacing the inner seal with the part number ending in a 6?

(I'm looking to buy a 4runner and want to fix problems before they start)

(like external transmission cooler and the rear axle seal)
those seem to be the only 2 common issues i see with the 4runners (well that and their brakes etc)

[brian2sun]

Originally Posted by Kurtmann415

I'm relatively new to the site/4runners in general, pardon a stupid question but

What would the preventative step be to keep the rear axle seal from blowing?

Just replacing the inner seal with the part number ending in a 6?

(I'm looking to buy a 4runner and want to fix problems before they start)

(like external transmission cooler and the rear axle seal)
those seem to be the only 2 common issues i see with the 4runners (well that and their brakes etc)

One way to help prevent blowing axle seals is to do the "extended diff breather mod" (search that term). It's an easy mod to do and will help prevent the breather from getting clogged and/or water from going into the diff.

[Ron Helmuth]

well said brian! thanks for covering the question for me (and BigFish himself)

it is a delight to have you around this forum and Yota Tech.

Particularly since this one does not notify us when a thread is still in action....

Kurtmann415 great idea to get to this stuff before it happens. cheaper and a lot less hassle when you can plan your maintenance.

[Ron Helmuth]

[QUOTE=CJ3Flyr;578953]Link added here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/mainte...diys-faqs.html I modified the thread title a bit too...

outstanding work sir! we asked for it and we got it... any chance you could do anything about the non notification issue for members and their threads and/or private messages?

not trying to be pushy but it is quite difficult to use this forum properly without that function.

[brian2sun]

Originally Posted by Ron Helmuth

well said brian! thanks for covering the question for me (and BigFish himself)

it is a delight to have you around this forum and Yota Tech.

Particularly since this one does not notify us when a thread is still in action....

Kurtmann415 great idea to get to this stuff before it happens. cheaper and a lot less hassle when you can plan your maintenance.

Thanks Ron, I appreciate that. You are definitely a good guy and great resource to have around the 4runner/Toyota community too!

I hope they do fix the notification thing soon, peter78 said today he's still working on trying to figure out why were not getting the emails. For now I've just been going to my User CP page 1st since it at least lists all the threads that have been replied to since my last visit. It's not as nice as email notifications, but I can still see who has replied.

[96720_MMA]

I had recently purchased a 1999 4runner. Going to replace the seals myself and have our machine shop replace the bearings/retainers/snap ring/seal. Thanks to this thread and the incredible write up I have the confidence to do this myself and save some money. Thank you so much for this, I've been researching all over the internet for a write up like this and so far this is the best user write up I have found.

Aloha from Hawaii!

[eric.laprad]

Thanks so much for the awesome write-up on the rear axle seal problem. Without that great piece of work, I was going to drop around $1200 at the dealership. Instead, I replaced the inner seals and O-rings (from Toyota) for about $20.00, and $15.00 more on a seal puller (from Advanced Auto Parts) and pvc pipe (from Lowes) to make a seal installer tool. I'll get some shoes from the dealer and replace them next, because one seems to be freezing to the drum in the mornings of these cold winter months.

Thanks again!

[Nelsonmd]

Originally Posted by eric.laprad

Thanks so much for the awesome write-up on the rear axle seal problem. Without that great piece of work, I was going to drop around $1200 at the dealership. Instead, I replaced the inner seals and O-rings (from Toyota) for about $20.00, and $15.00 more on a seal puller (from Advanced Auto Parts) and pvc pipe (from Lowes) to make a seal installer tool. I'll get some shoes from the dealer and replace them next, because one seems to be freezing to the drum in the mornings of these cold winter months.

Thanks again!

Eric, Can you please delete that photo. It is way too big and causes the text in this thread to span far beyond the screen, making it really unreadable.

[userid1015]

I have patented and developed a Rear Axle Bearing Remover tool and ABS Sensor Ring Remover tool that saves the sensor ring and is so easy to use that a girl can do it. E-mail me if you want more information at [email protected]

[Nelsonmd]

Originally Posted by userid1015

I have patented and developed a Rear Axle Bearing Remover tool and ABS Sensor Ring Remover tool that saves the sensor ring and is so easy to use that a girl can do it. E-mail me if you want more information at [email protected]

If you're serious, post some pics of it.

[Mellow77]

Just wanted to say thanks to BigFishAllDay for initiating such a great Thread. I recently found the need to replace both of my rear axle seals as my diff breather had been rusted shut prior to me getting the vehicle. With the help of this info I had no trouble replacing both of my rear seals (along with most of the other wear parts because I'm anal like that) and am pleased to say she's back together and running great!

Next up is the Tundra brake upgrade and I'll be using more of your great material for that.

THANK YOU!

[Gnaro]

Insanely helpful write up, I just finished my real seals and brakes. Couldn't of done it without your write up.

[cek77]

Another thank you! Just finished putting it all back together.

[BamaDrewski]

I replaced my rear axle seals today (with great help from this post!) and I could not seem to find the “breather tube” on the rear differential! Any one have a photo of this? (I have a 2000 4WD limited)

While I was working on the axle seals, I also replaced the rear brake shoes and hardware. The drums were fine but nasty from the oil leaking into them. I got everything cleaned and put back together and I noticed something after bleeding and checking the parking brake.

As I live in the south, I got out of the habit of putting on my emergency brake when I stop. When my buddy was pulling on the e-brake so we could adjust it, I noticed the driver’s side lever into the rear drum was frozen. We pulled the tire and drum off and it turns out that by not using the e-brake on a regular basis, the lever was frozen in place. After some PB blaster and a screwdriver and hammer forcing it back and forth, it works like a charm. I will use my brake regularly now. (Got out of the habit when it froze to the drum when I lived in upstate New York)

For what it is worth, I have great brakes now! WOW – what a difference. I bought Wagner Thermo Quiet brake shoes with a 20% online discount from Advance (Code P20) and after about 40 miles of mileage on them, they are really impressive. The Toyota Dealer wanted $92 for the OEM brakes shoes and with money tight, I chose the Wagners. I think (so far) it was a great choice!

[Drcoffee]

I am new to 4runners and hopefully I will be buying one soon. I need to ask, is the gear oil really pushing thru the bearing or just leaking between the axle housing and brake backing plate? It is hard to tell from the pictures. Also, if you clear the diff breather, does that stop the oil from leaking out of the seals?

Thanx