Axle seals

[shawnstcyr]

Hey guys. I replaced my driver's side axles seal last year. Well while I was in Maine, my woman called me telling me the brakes were failing. I had her take it to a reputable shop. They changed out the rear axle seals, shoes, wheel cylinders, and the carrier assembly gasket. All for $500. I just got home yesterday and saw that the driver's rear was leaking, again. Have any of you experienced repetitive leaking like this? I'm afraid that I'm gonna have to replace both rear axles to make this go away.:bash:

 

[gptoy96]

I've had a seal blow also. From what I learned at the time (and read a few times since on these boards) is that the breather for the rear diff gets plugged (dirt over the years), when that's plugged it doesn't allow the pressurized air inside the diff to escape while driving so it eventually blows out the seals.

I'm not sure how to check if it's plugged or not but if you take it to a shop get them to check it out. Perhaps someone on here knows of a DIY way? A friend of mine just had his breather replaced for the same reason.

If the breather is plugged and you just replace the seals it'll just keep blowing the seals out.

 

[shawnstcyr]

Originally posted by gptoy96 That makes alot of sense. I do alot of mudding and sand dunes.
I've had a seal blow also. From what I learned at the time (and read a few times since on these boards) is that the breather for the rear diff gets plugged (dirt over the years), when that's plugged it doesn't allow the pressurized air inside the diff to escape while driving so it eventually blows out the seals.

I'm not sure how to check if it's plugged or not but if you take it to a shop get them to check it out. Perhaps someone on here knows of a DIY way? A friend of mine just had his breather replaced for the same reason.

If the breather is plugged and you just replace the seals it'll just keep blowing the seals out.

 

[97-4xFunner]

I have had mine go out twice on the same side. It didn't even take a year. I had the breather tube realization when I was working on an 88 Bronco the other day. Unfortunately I think the axle grease worked its way into the wheel bearing on my runner. When I replace the wheel bearing, I plan on checking the breather tube as well. I could see it being an issue. Every time I pull a plug on a diff. it seems to release some air pressure. I don't think the wheel bearing are very easy either.

 

[004Gunner]

The breather check is easy, just pop it out and make sure air flows out by blowing on it. If you keep blowing seals after checking that, you will need to find a shop to check your axle run out. If those are in spec, then you need to replace the axle housing. Also, if your brakes are being worked on everytime you get a leak then you will need to watch out for over turning the drums. I had a shop do this and they turned them until they were too thin. I found out after the drums warped from regular braking!

 

[DavidAlexander]

The rear breather sits on top of the rear axle housing. just unscrew it and see if it's clogged. It is a good time to do the breather extension too.

 

[toytech76]

Also you need to make sure you are using the updated toyota seal. Dont use aftermarket junk as it will fail. Also have them check the collar the seal rides on for wear and replace it if needed. The toyota seal # I believe is 90310-50006.