A possible solution to leaking axle seals

[Drcoffee]

There is a good arguement to reverse the retainer on non-ABS axles too. Visualize the seal flushed to the outer edge of the retainer. Or better yet, see it in this cutaway of the seal/retainer picture. The sealing lip is actually better positioned on the retainer.

 

[higgy]

That space between the retainer and bearing could be a problem. It is a sealing surface and a bearing retainer so that space may allow the bearing to move on the axle

 

[repo]

That space between the retainer and bearing could be a problem. It is a sealing surface and a bearing retainer so that space may allow the bearing to move on the axle

There's no space between the retainer and bearing, on the non-abs it gets pressed right up to the bearing, on the ABS there it is the same, but the ABS ring gets spaced from the first retainer, with a second retainer after the ABS ring. There's a snap ring after the first retainer anyway. I don't think the non-ABS has as much problems because there is no worry about spacing the retainer, and the inner housing seal is much easier to drive in without bending it.

 

[Drcoffee]

That space between the retainer and bearing could be a problem. It is a sealing surface and a bearing retainer so that space may allow the bearing to move on the axle

higgy,
The retainer on the non-ABS axle as stated above is pressed up against the bearing to hold it in place and then secured by a C clip on the axle. By reversing the retainer you are not affecting the thickness of the retainer. I promise you, there would be no issues by doing that.

You may confused though on the retainers. The non-ABS axle has just one retainer. the ABS axle has two. One for the bearing and one to seal the housing inboard of the ABS sensor ring (tone ring).

 

[mendozer]

I was lucky so far that my bearing was ok with my axle seal replacement. But if and when it does go, I am going to do this

 

[waldeeeeen]

So, mind blown. I have a non abs truck with the abs axle and housing, exciter but no sensor...go figure.

Anyways, followed the write up due to the logic. Flipped the inboard retainer and moved it 1mm inboard followed by the grease test.

Driver side

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Passenger side

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[waldeeeeen]

I'm currently driving for the next two weeks all over cali so when I'm done I'll have close to 800 or 1000 miles for an update on leak via the abs sensor port which I have even though there's no sensor

 

[Drcoffee]

I'm currently driving for the next two weeks all over cali so when I'm done I'll have close to 800 or 1000 miles for an update on leak via the abs sensor port which I have even though there's no sensor

Did you use the OEM seals? That's a must.

 

[waldeeeeen]

Yes. OEM everything

 

[adiel]

Gentlemen, do you know if this solution also applies for a 2004 Toyota Tacoma? Thanks. :scared:

 

[Drcoffee]

Gentlemen, do you know if this solution also applies for a 2004 Toyota Tacoma? Thanks. :scared:

I know nothing about 4th Gen 4Runners or Tacomas. Sorry. Check in the 4th Gen forum. good luck

 

[adiel]

Just performed the fix on a 2WD 2004 Toyota Tacoma with ABS, worked exactly the same. Nice solution. Thanks.

 

[chjygj]

I would caution others that try this method that the bevel is most likely there to help you not tear the seal during insertion of the axle.

 

[Drcoffee]

I would caution others that try this method that the bevel is most likely there to help you not tear the seal during insertion of the axle.

NOT TRUE!

Go back and watch my youtube video on page one. There is ample room if you use the OEM seals. Please don't just jump into a thread with tons of information without reading the other pages.

 

[Mgyver1]

I know nothing about 4th Gen 4Runners or Tacomas. Sorry. Check in the 4th Gen forum. good luck

An '04 Tacoma is in the same realm as a 3rd gen 4Runner. It was '05 that they changed to the 2nd gen Tacoma which shared the 4Runner's 4th gen qualities.

So to [MENTION=139220]adiel[/MENTION] there is a good chance this will work, but the Tacoma and 4Runner axles are not completely identical. I think it would be worth a shot though.

 

[Twan]

NOT TRUE!

Go back and watch my youtube video on page one. There is ample room if you use the OEM seals. Please don't just jump into a thread with tons of information without reading the other pages.

That was just one of those copycat spammers.

 

[adiel]

I would caution others that try this method that the bevel is most likely there to help you not tear the seal during insertion of the axle.

Nope, just did it on my 2WD 2004 Toyota Tacoma as per solution and the retainer goes right into the new OEM seal design. If you actually perform this job, you will see there is no tearing going to happen. And of course whether you place the retainer the stock way or as per this solution, dont forget to grease the retainer.

By the way this is a very good solution to increase the lifetime of the seal and avoid future leaks!

 

[Twan]

Nope, just did it on my 2WD 2004 Toyota Tacoma as per solution and the retainer goes right into the new OEM seal design. If you actually perform this job, you will see there is no tearing going to happen. And of course whether you place the retainer the stock way or as per this solution, dont forget to grease the retainer.

By the way this is a very good solution to increase the lifetime of the seal and avoid future leaks!

That was just one of those copycat spammers.

.....

 

[cbr900boy]

Just did this repair this past weekend. I flipped the retainer ring and measured 4mm. Instead of the grease test i used the Sharpie test and the seal is riding dead center on the retainer. Another big thanks Dr. Coffee!

-Danny

 

[RikTT]

[MENTION=78997]Drcoffee[/MENTION]

Thoughts of using the Oem inboard retainer, like designed (bevel inboard), but set at 3mm outward from the polished edge ? I'm working with my machine shop to see if he can make a 2mm spacer to seat it all in.