advice on replacing wheel cylinder/rear axle

[sundaydriver55]

Greetings and Happy Holidays! I've got a 1997 4Runner Limited with 214,000 miles. Love this vehicle. I have a blown axle seal on the rear passenger side only and know what needs to happen to replace by researching on 4Runner Forum. I brought it into the dealership to have the work done along with replacing the rear brake pads.

Here's where I need some help from you guys... The mechanic is telling me because of the mileage he'll need to also replace the wheel cylinders on both sides and he wants to replace the axles with an updated part along with all the seals and bearings; $2k of work. I realize that all seals and bearings should be replaced on the blown side. Do I need to have the wheel cylinders replaced because of high mileage? Do I need an updated axle? Can this job be done with seals and bearings and can I be confident it won't leak for a while; 30k road miles?

I'll be taking the vehicle to an independent repair shop for a second opinion but I really would like your input as well. Thanks!

 

[JLRSR5]

My rear axel seals blew, the mechanic at toyota just replaced all the seals with new ones and also had to replace both rear drum brakes, but thats all he did for me and I haven't had a problem with it since. Goodluck.

 

[004Gunner]

The wheel cylinder does not need to be replaced unless brake pressure is uneven or maybe if the bleeder valve is frozen. Sounds like a typical stealership to me

 

[Jon]

Brake cylinders get replaced when they blow out, or if you already have it all tore apart it's not a bad idea to put new ones in. If you have a blown axle seal, I'd do both sides in one go, most problems come in pairs as do parts. Get the axle seals, brake shoes, brake hardware kit and wheel cylinders for both sides. That might put you at $100 for parts and 2-3hr labor, not $2K! If you have the tools or a friend (mechanically inclined) I strongly suggest just doing this yourself. Save some $. These axle's are cake to pull out.

 

[sundaydriver55]

Thanks!

Thanks for the help. I used to do all the work on my vehicles but I find spending time with my family is more valuable to me. I'm going to take it to an independent shop that was recommended to me and get the minimum amount of work done to get this fixed up.

 

[004Gunner]

Brake cylinders get replaced when they blow out, or if you already have it all tore apart it's not a bad idea to put new ones in. If you have a blown axle seal, I'd do both sides in one go, most problems come in pairs as do parts. Get the axle seals, brake shoes, brake hardware kit and wheel cylinders for both sides. That might put you at $100 for parts and 2-3hr labor, not $2K! If you have the tools or a friend (mechanically inclined) I strongly suggest just doing this yourself. Save some $. These axle's are cake to pull out.

There's no reason to replace a seal that is not leaking. I can see replacing both shoes and turning both drums, but pulling and replacing a seal with no problems sounds like busy work to me

 

[sundaydriver55]

for some closure. brought the 4Runner to the independent repair shop; Easy Automotive in San Rafael, CA. All they found was that it needed rear brakes, no blown seals, $300 out the door. Never going back to Toyota of Marin ever for anything.

 

[mistersnowman97]

for some closure. brought the 4Runner to the independent repair shop; Easy Automotive in San Rafael, CA. All they found was that it needed rear brakes, no blown seals, $300 out the door. Never going back to Toyota of Marin ever for anything.

Glad you said that! I was considering taking mine there for the same problem, but I will definitely not do so! I have a local toyota guy that I'd rather pay.

SO was the 300 parts and labor?

sorry to everyone this is kind of a :closed_2:thread but nontheless!