Axle seal repair prices- welded vs 10 bolt diff

[Clifford]

I had a seal replaced couple years ago for over $400 and it is leaking again. Asked diff mechanics this time and they are saying if your rear end is welded it is less than $100 labor vs much more for a bolted rear end (differential cover). Appears very different labor depending on type of rear end etc. Former mechanic may have just looked at a book and charged me without knowing but I neeed to research it more before moving forward.
Any of your experiences with this appreciated.
Clifford

 

[csp]

Pretty sure you're comparing a drop out third member like Toyotas and Ford 9" has vs non-dropout.

You can't make a generalization like that. Not all seals on rear axles require getting into the center section.

 

[Clifford]

No idea what any of that means but thanks for the reply. For a 2001 SR5 4x4 are there 2 different possible procedures to replace a leaking axle seal and are they different prices generally.
Thanks,
C

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

No idea what any of that means but thanks for the reply. For a 2001 SR5 4x4 are there 2 different possible procedures to replace a leaking axle seal and are they different prices generally.
Thanks,
C

What? What different procedures? There's only one.

I reread your posts and I'm still confused. Search rear axle seal leak in the forum and you'll get more info then you'll need. There's also this thread in the master directory:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-replacement-thread-3rd-gen.html#post571040

 

[SnowLizard]

looking at the back of the pumpkin you'll see it either smooth OR bolts... indicating you can remove the rear cover of a dif mentioned my csp


*typically*
usually axle that have a rear access cover have C clips that hold the axle in place and you have to drain pumpkin, remove cover, and get those clips out, and still unbolt ends...
our 4runner axles come out by unbolting the ends... 'partial floating axle' comes to mind I'm probably wrong though.
I think you need a slide hammer to get either out though.


there have been exceptions on this rule, like the 65 mustangs 6cyl that had a cover on pumpkin, but the pumpkin couldn't be removed from axle, the v8's could.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

4runner axles come out very easily.
1. Disconnect brake line going into backing plate (carefully use pinch pliers on rubber brake line above 3rd member

2. Remove brake drum and disconnect E Brake cable and remove bellcranks

3. Remove 4 bolts behind backing plate that hold axle in place.

4. Carefully slide axle out of housing.

 

[csp]

For a 2001 SR5 4x4 are there 2 different possible procedures to replace a leaking axle seal and are they different prices generally.

No there are not two different procedures. There's only one type of rear axle on any 3rd gen 4runner (along with many other Toyota models).

 

[JayRolla]

Your mechanic is bs"ing you. Only one way to do it. I installed mine myself. No leaks. $5.

 

[Brveagle]

Find a new "mechanic".

 

[Wikano]

I would also swap in a new differential breather. Sometimes the old ones can clog and cause pressure build up behind the axel seals, causing a leak. They are only a few bucks and super easy to install.

 

[Clifford]

Appreciate the replies. Multiple mechanics have quoted me and seem to look in some database that tells them $400 labor plus parts.

In any event the breather tube replacement sounds like a good suggestion as well. Thanks.

The step by step description is helpful as well. How much time do you estimate it takes from start to finish? Doing it yourself is great and all but how many hours labor would you have to charge hypothetically?

I will keep contacting mechanics. I have no garage or space to work on my own vehicle anymore. I miss my '73 Chevy Nova with a 6cyl. I did everything on that incl head gasket, air shocks, starter, brakes, heater core, on and on and you never had to remove much of anything to access all of it.

But then I could not drive it thousands of miles through the desert either. And no AC. (I do miss the kick vents though)


C