Axle seal leaking again??

[thebrandon]

I was wondering what else to check/replace when fixing a leaking seal.

Last time I replaced the axle seal it self. I checked the bearing for wobble and play, but it seemed pretty new and had zero noticeable play in it. I didn't replace the large o-ring because it actually looked great too.

It's been roughly 100 miles and it seems like the axle seal is leaking AGAIN!!! I've been checking it before and after every trip I go on and it had held up just fine, not a drop of gear oil on the wheels until tonight. Are these really that bad?! I wasn't able to find a genuine Toyota seal, but I do have a couple coming in the mail but I'm not sure when they will be here.

So here was my check list...
Replace seal (Did that)
Inspect bearing for play ( NO noticeable play in bearing, and looks new, previous owner had service record showing he had it replaced not too long ago)
Inspect large o-ring (looked fine, reused it. Don't think this would be the culprit though. )
Replace gear oil (replaced with synthetic 75w90)

Am I missing anything here?

 

[Drcoffee]

Here is why the seals will leak. I did a write up which has solved my leaking axle seal problem.

possible-solution-leaking-axle-seals

By the time it's dripping down the wheel it's been leaking a long while. You are probably doing it correctly except for getting the seal onto the retainer.

 

[thebrandon]

I noticed your note about the Timken 1960 seal. That is the one I used in the replacement. Maybe that is the problem. I wiped down the wheel to see if any more fluid would show up, it was a tiny pool, that I suppose could have formed from not cleaning everything well enough. I haven't seen it come back yet, but I may need to drive a bit to see if the pool forms again. Can't wait for the new seals to get here!

 

[Drcoffee]

I noticed your note about the Timken 1960 seal. That is the one I used in the replacement. Maybe that is the problem. I wiped down the wheel to see if any more fluid would show up, it was a tiny pool, that I suppose could have formed from not cleaning everything well enough. I haven't seen it come back yet, but I may need to drive a bit to see if the pool forms again. Can't wait for the new seals to get here!

forget waiting to see it drip down the wheel. pop the ABS sensor and check that way. There is a pool of oil in there working its way through your bearing and out the other side. If this goes on too long the bearings will have been washed clean of all grease and they will fail in the near future. Did you read the entire thread and watch the video? If you don't get the seal on the retainer, it will leak again. It may require a trip to the machine shop to get the retainer moved.

And don't forget the obvious. Make sure the axle vent is open and free of any dirt.

 

[Steve240]

It's most likely your diff breather and I don't see that on your list. Replace it, it is just over 10 bucks and is easy to change, it is just bolted to the top driver side of the axle.

 

[thebrandon]

Sorry I didn't mention that. I did check the breather before taking anything apart and it was fine. I do plan on doing the breather mod in the near future but first I need to get this issue out of the way. OEM Toyota seals should be here today.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You should read bFADs thread about axle seals. It is probably the best write up by far.

I am in the same boat since my left seal started seeping.

 

[Steve240]

This might help you as well. What I did to install the axle seals was used a roll of eletrical tape and removed 20-30 wraps to get the Ø just smaller than the seal. I put the tape against the seal and then a 36mm socket against the tape and hit it with a hammer, checking every couple hits to make sure it was going in straight. I think the tape did a great job of softening the impact but still drove it in.