2011 SR5 rear wheel seals

[Johnate0]

Months ago I started smelling gear oil near the rear end and sure enough, it was coming out near the left rear wheel. I first replaced the stock breather tube with a snorkel-style one and affixed the mouth of it on top of the charcoal canister. I believe the gear oil is still finding it's way out of that left rear wheel area though.

The rear bearings are still original so I figure while I'm getting into this, I may as well replace whatever else is common wear item stuff back there. I also am not sure if I should order both inner and outer wheel bearing seals. Last time I did something like this was on my '01 SR5 over ten years ago and I'm pretty sure this setup is a little different than the 3rd Gen's, right? I replaced the rear rotors and pad not long ago, and the parking brake shoes looked fine so I left them alone.

So my questions are: Should I plan on replacing both inner and outer seals? I can't find much info on doing this on 5th Gen's and I'm curious about the level of difficulty of doing the inners.
Would it be prudent to also replace the rear bearings and parking brake shoes while everything is apart? I think I read that doing the rear bearings would require a press, which I don't have in my shop but I can have a mechanic right next door do that for me.
What else should I be looking at in getting into this?

Thanks for the replies

 

[Jivewalker]

Months ago I started smelling gear oil near the rear end and sure enough, it was coming out near the left rear wheel. I first replaced the stock breather tube with a snorkel-style one and affixed the mouth of it on top of the charcoal canister. I believe the gear oil is still finding it's way out of that left rear wheel area though.

The rear bearings are still original so I figure while I'm getting into this, I may as well replace whatever else is common wear item stuff back there. I also am not sure if I should order both inner and outer wheel bearing seals. Last time I did something like this was on my '01 SR5 over ten years ago and I'm pretty sure this setup is a little different than the 3rd Gen's, right? I replaced the rear rotors and pad not long ago, and the parking brake shoes looked fine so I left them alone.

So my questions are: Should I plan on replacing both inner and outer seals? I can't find much info on doing this on 5th Gen's and I'm curious about the level of difficulty of doing the inners.
Would it be prudent to also replace the rear bearings and parking brake shoes while everything is apart? I think I read that doing the rear bearings would require a press, which I don't have in my shop but I can have a mechanic right next door do that for me.
What else should I be looking at in getting into this?

Thanks for the replies

I had a similar small that turned out to be a shock leaking.

I researched changing the seals and bearings and it really looked like a PITA and would take me a while. Not sure how much time you can afford without a vehicle, but for me If I had to have the seals and bearings done I would just have the shop do it. I think there is a process outlined in the FSM and a youtube video showing how to. Good luck!

 

[Johnate0]

I had a similar small that turned out to be a shock leaking.

I researched changing the seals and bearings and it really looked like a PITA and would take me a while. Not sure how much time you can afford without a vehicle, but for me If I had to have the seals and bearings done I would just have the shop do it. I think there is a process outlined in the FSM and a youtube video showing how to. Good luck!

I run a body shop so I have a lift, most of the tools needed for the job (besides a press for the knuckle/bearing), a work truck I can use and my '83 Mustang which doesn't hibernate until November.

 

[Jivewalker]

I run a body shop so I have a lift, most of the tools needed for the job (besides a press for the knuckle/bearing), a work truck I can use and my '83 Mustang which doesn't hibernate until November.

In that case, I say go for it and do a good write up with photos! If I had a lift at my disposal I would be broke by now!

 

[Johnate0]

In that case, I say go for it and do a good write up with photos! If I had a lift at my disposal I would be broke by now!

Well I was hoping someone already has a decent write-up with photos, considering these Gen5's have been around for a decade now.

 

[Jivewalker]

Well I was hoping someone already has a decent write-up with photos, considering these Gen5's have been around for a decade now.

I talked to a mechanic a while back when I thought my rear wheel bearing was going out. He told me highly unusual to have issues with the rear bearing or axle seals on these. Fingers crossed! My problem was a tire issue.

 

[TrkyMfns]

I recently replaced both of my rear wheel bearings and seals due to a leak that got all over the parking shoes. It turns out that the differential breather was clogged, so the differential vented through the axle oil seals.

While you can just replace the seals, if the oil has leaked through to your parking brake shoes, you are supposed to replace the bearings. This is because the oil will have washed the grease out of the bearings, and once you replace the seals, they will be without lubricant.

With the right tools, the job isn't too bad. You will need a 20+ ton hydraulic press (I used the one from Harbor Freight), a rear axle bearing tool (linked below).

FWIW, the hardest and most time-consuming part of the whole job was reassembling the parking brakes. :frusty:

Also, if you want to save costs and get the exact same part as OEM, Koyo is the OEM supplier, and replacement bearings for these trucks can be had for around $200 for the pair. I am happy to list out all of the part numbers and tools needed if you would like.

Rear axle tool - Rear Axle Bearing Puller for Toyota 4Runner 4th & 5 generation 2003 up | eBay

 

[Johnate0]

I recently replaced both of my rear wheel bearings and seals due to a leak that got all over the parking shoes. It turns out that the differential breather was clogged, so the differential vented through the axle oil seals.

While you can just replace the seals, if the oil has leaked through to your parking brake shoes, you are supposed to replace the bearings. This is because the oil will have washed the grease out of the bearings, and once you replace the seals, they will be without lubricant.

With the right tools, the job isn't too bad. You will need a 20+ ton hydraulic press (I used the one from Harbor Freight), a rear axle bearing tool (linked below).

FWIW, the hardest and most time-consuming part of the whole job was reassembling the parking brakes. :frusty:

Also, if you want to save costs and get the exact same part as OEM, Koyo is the OEM supplier, and replacement bearings for these trucks can be had for around $200 for the pair. I am happy to list out all of the part numbers and tools needed if you would like.

Rear axle tool - Rear Axle Bearing Puller for Toyota 4Runner 4th & 5 generation 2003 up | eBay

If you wouldn't mind, that would be awesome thank you! I plan on getting to this project when the weather cools down a little and after the summertime rush of work has calmed down. We only have one lift at the shop and it's usually needed for a wrecked car.

 

[TrkyMfns]

Below are the parts I used and the prices I paid for them. All of the parts are OEM. Save a lot of money and buy the Koyo bearings. Koyo is the OEM supplier for our trucks and the part is exactly the same (even the PN printed on the bearings), minus the Toyota cardboard box.

---
Rear Axle Bearing and Seal Replacement

Parts needed

• 2 x 4242360050 (Genuine Toyota Retainer) $20
• 2 x 9020844001 (Genuine Toyota Axle Washer) $10
• 8 x 9011412045 (Parking brake to bearing bolt) $1.80
• 8 x 90178A0057 (Parking brake to bearing hub nuts) ~1.20
• 2 x 9031058003 (Genuine Toyota Axle Seal) $13
• 2 x 9052041019 (Genuine Toyota Snap Ring) $7
• 2 x 9030183002 (Genuine Toyota O-Ring) $10
• 1 x 4245004010 (Koyo Rear Right Bearing Made in Japan) $103
• 1 x 4246004010 (Koyo Rear Left Bearing Made in Japan) $103

Tools needed

• Bearing press tool (posted below)
• Seal driver tool
• Snap ring pliers
• 20+ ton press

This site has photos and a few exploded diagrams for reference.

How To FJ cruiser Wheel Bearing Replacment | Overland Adventures and Off-Road

Press tool - Rear Axle Bearing Puller for Toyota 4Runner 4th & 5 generation 2003 up | eBay

 

[1000MPH]

Edit: It took me until now to realize that he only offers fronts.
Nevermind.
I’m going with this guy if I ever have to replace my bearings.
LOWEST PRICE complete front wheel bearing assemblies ANYWHERE!!!

 

[Johnate0]

Below are the parts I used and the prices I paid for them. All of the parts are OEM. Save a lot of money and buy the Koyo bearings. Koyo is the OEM supplier for our trucks and the part is exactly the same (even the PN printed on the bearings), minus the Toyota cardboard box.

---
Rear Axle Bearing and Seal Replacement

Parts needed

• 2 x 4242360050 (Genuine Toyota Retainer) $20
• 2 x 9020844001 (Genuine Toyota Axle Washer) $10
• 8 x 9011412045 (Parking brake to bearing bolt) $1.80
• 8 x 90178A0057 (Parking brake to bearing hub nuts) ~1.20
• 2 x 9031058003 (Genuine Toyota Axle Seal) $13
• 2 x 9052041019 (Genuine Toyota Snap Ring) $7
• 2 x 9030183002 (Genuine Toyota O-Ring) $10
• 1 x 4245004010 (Koyo Rear Right Bearing Made in Japan) $103
• 1 x 4246004010 (Koyo Rear Left Bearing Made in Japan) $103

Tools needed

• Bearing press tool (posted below)
• Seal driver tool
• Snap ring pliers
• 20+ ton press

This site has photos and a few exploded diagrams for reference.

How To FJ cruiser Wheel Bearing Replacment | Overland Adventures and Off-Road

Press tool - Rear Axle Bearing Puller for Toyota 4Runner 4th & 5 generation 2003 up | eBay

Thanks for posting that! Certainly a big help. I will be ordering up all the parts needed and most likely I'll just bring both axles with hub/bearings still on them to the mechanic up the street and let him press the new ones in and out. I send work his way all the time so he'll help me out.