Axle seals problems unsolved

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Ledgeman

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I have a 1998 runner 4x4 3400 5 speed trany with 180,000 miles all stock. I have had axle seal problems for a long time. I have had them replaced 10 or so times. I’ve had the axles shafts replaced twice. We even tried some off road seals once. This is obviously a Manufacturer problem that has not been recalled.
I have read on hear and other forums about these issues and I have joined this forum today because I am at my wits end and ready to either to move on or find a real solution.
What do you all recommend I do for a solution?
Could I replace the entire transmission with what trany?
HELP!!!!!!!
 
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Ledgeman said:
I have a 1998 runner 4x4 3400 5 speed trany with 180,000 miles all stock. I have had axle seal problems for a long time. I have had them replaced 10 or so times. I’ve had the axles shafts replaced twice. We even tried some off road seals once. This is obviously a Manufacturer problem that has not been recalled.
I have read on hear and other forums about these issues and I have joined this forum today because I am at my wits end and ready to either to move on or find a real solution.
What do you all recommend I do for a solution?
Could I replace the entire transmission with what trany?
HELP!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Replacing the tranny won't do anything for your axle seals, not sure where that came from...

Search here for rear axle seal threads, there are a couple that show some possible solutions. If you are driving the seals all the way in when you replace them, then they are probably going to leak, you aren't supposed to drive them in all the way.
 
I'm not really understanding how replacing the transmission is going to solve an axle seal problem?? If the rear axle seals are leaking and you have had them replaced multiple times; I would check to see if the abs ring/sleeve is pressed on to far and is not making contact with the axle seal. I've ran into this problem before
 
85toyrunner said:
I'm not really understanding how replacing the transmission is going to solve an axle seal problem?? If the rear axle seals are leaking and you have had them replaced multiple times; I would check to see if the abs ring/sleeve is pressed on to far and is not making contact with the axle seal. I've ran into this problem before
Click to expand...

I dont think he is too clear on what he is saying. Maybe he is talking front axle seals that go into the front diff. On FWD cars the axles go directly into the trans, maybe he is confused.

A little clearer info from the OP would be nice, what axles, where and what seals??

If you are talking rear axle seals, research on here and there are good fixes.

If your talking the front axle seals to the diff, than from my experience you must be very careful installing the shaft not to damage the seal and make sure you only use OEM seals from toyota.
 
Ledgeman said:
I have a 1998 runner 4x4 3400 5 speed trany with 180,000 miles all stock. I have had axle seal problems for a long time. I have had them replaced 10 or so times. I’ve had the axles shafts replaced twice. We even tried some off road seals once. This is obviously a Manufacturer problem that has not been recalled.
I have read on hear and other forums about these issues and I have joined this forum today because I am at my wits end and ready to either to move on or find a real solution.
What do you all recommend I do for a solution?
Could I replace the entire transmission with what trany?
HELP!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

We need more information. Rear axel seals I'm assuming? Did you replace the bearings, retainer and ABS ring at the same time? If your bearings are bad or the ABS sensor ring/ retainer ring is pressed in the wrong place your seals will leak.

You can try the information in this thread: Dr Coffee solution to leaky seals

Give us more information and we might be of more assistance.
 
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Sorry guys, yes it is REAR AXLE SEALS and I don't know what I'm talking about w/ the replacing the transmission. I'm no mechanic. Just trying to think of anything to fix the solution instead of selling the 4runner.

Any pointing to some old threads with how to put them on would be good.

Solid truck. I've never even put a radiator or new exhaust on it has been so solid just these rear axle seals.
 
I have had a lot of problems with heat in the rear end. I could tell things were getting hot by feeling the break pads and from the smell of grease. So you think this breather kit will solve the problem!?
 
Ledgeman said:
I have had a lot of problems with heat in the rear end. I could tell things were getting hot by feeling the break pads and from the smell of grease. So you think this breather kit will solve the problem!?
Click to expand...

This is a step to fix the issue, you need to go through that thread posted and read about replacing the bearings and everything that goes along with it. Its pricey but it will fix the issue you are having.
 
I sent my tech an email with the links you guys gave me. I really appreciate you all taking the time out of your busy day to help out. I bought the 4runner in 2003 and have loved it ever since and don't want to let it go.
 
The plan as of now is to replace the axle shaft with the new seals. We have replaced them in the past as well. I think this first time we replaced them the shafts were warped.
 
Ledgeman said:
The plan as of now is to replace the axle shaft with the new seals. We have replaced them in the past as well. I think this first time we replaced them the shafts were warped.
Click to expand...

Are you going to be replacing the bearings as well? I would consider replacing the breather as mentioned above. The smell of grease is likely from the diff fluid leaking onto your pads. Check those as well, if they have too much fluid on them they could be toast.

Read the links above cover to cover before investing any further.
 
Ledgeman said:
I have had a lot of problems with heat in the rear end. I could tell things were getting hot by feeling the break pads and from the smell of grease. So you think this breather kit will solve the problem!?
Click to expand...

If the brake drums are super hot the brakes are probably dragging. Dragging caused by gear oil on the shoes OR because the brakes are adjusted too tight OR both. The normal heat buildup in the diff from driving does not superheat the rear wheels.
 
Yes definitely pressing new barring on the axles. Keep the ideas coming I need all the suggestions and info I can give the tech. Thanks!!
 
Ledgeman said:
I'm no mechanic. Just trying to think of anything to fix the solution instead of selling the 4runner.


Solid truck. I've never even put a radiator or new exhaust on it has been so solid just these rear axle seals.
Click to expand...

Google 3rd gen 4runner pink milkshake and/or 3rd gen strawberry milkshake so you don't have to ask where to get a new transmission.
 
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