bad axle seal...okay for holiday travel?

[chariot]

Hi everyone -

I'm really hoping someone can help me out here... I've got a '98 SR5, 4WD, with 252k miles(!) on it. It's a beast, and to be honest shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

The last time I had it in for an inspection, tires, etc., I was told one of the rear axle seals was in need of replacing (because it was beginning to leak?). I'm in college and my money comes in chunks, so I let them know it wasn't something I could do until January. (That was back in October.) They said no problem, but just to avoid any long trips such as driving from upstate NY down to the city.

Well Christmas break is around the corner, and being able to drive down-state would make traveling to see family a whole lot easier. Since October I've only logged about a thousand miles, and I don't notice any obvious leaking or other signs of problems. Do you think it's okay to make the 200 or so mile trip down state? I know it's less than safe to risk a situation where fluid is leaking over the brakes, but are there any other risks I'd be running? Could something seize up, potentially leaving me stranded with a huge repair bill? Thanks to anyone who might be able to speculate; I feel like it drives fine, but then again I'm far from a mechanic...

 

[JeremyH]

Check the rear diff fluid level (remove the fill plug and stick your finger in there). If you can touch the top of the fluid, then you should be fine. How much fluid leaks out on a daily basis?

Also, remember that the rear brakes are only doing about 30% of the stopping...

 

[raydouble]

Check the rear diff fluid level (remove the fill plug and stick your finger in there). If you can touch the top of the fluid, then you should be fine.

The fluid level should be 0 to 5 millimeters from the fill plug, it doesn't have to get down very far to starve the pinion bearing of lube......ask me how I know.

 

[gptoy96]

Keep in mind, if the leak does get bad enough to start showing it might get on your breaks too. If they get contaminated then you'll have to replace the breaks as well as the seal so your price to repair could go up if a person waits too long.

 

[raydouble]

Keep in mind, if the leak does get bad enough to start showing it might get on your breaks too. If they get contaminated then you'll have to replace the breaks as well as the seal so your price to repair could go up if a person waits too long.

I'm willing to bet that if it's been leaking since October, his brakes are long passed saving.

 

[twitchee2]

you should be just fine for a trip, just got to get them replaced asap. back when i was 17, the 4runner i was driving had both of them out and i didnt know. i had been driving around with out rear brakes for close to a year, just be careful and you will be fine. Im in college to i know the money in chunks thing. Just be careful and get it done asap. If you can do it yourself it can be done for less then $50. seal, diff fluid and brake fluid.

 

[Elton H]

yea mine leaked the rear shoes where done its such a easy job to replace the seal i should of just done it sooner

 

[raydouble]

yea mine leaked the rear shoes where done its such a easy job to replace the seal i should of just done it sooner

Yep.........
At the very least OP needs to top off the diff fluid before leaving and coming home.

 

[godzilla]

I understand the money thing but what about just doing it yourself? The rear axle seal is cheap, and the job is dead simple. Upstate NY and December dont mix for working on cars, I get that part too I grew up in Saratoga. Where are you?

 

[chariot]

Thanks a lot for all the responses, guys. To be honest I'm not quite sure how much it leaks, only that there's no obvious puddle under it after having sat a while. As far as fixing it myself, I was told it may well be the type of job that's made more difficult due to the car's age. My mechanic said he couldn't be sure until he started the job, but it was a very real possibility he might have to spend a few hours wrestling around with things trying to take apart the axle on a truck with 250k miles. Does this sound right?

Anyway, it's great to hear it should make it out of town. raybouble - could you let me know how to check the rear diff. fluid? Thanks again guys.

 

[chariot]

I understand the money thing but what about just doing it yourself? The rear axle seal is cheap, and the job is dead simple. Upstate NY and December dont mix for working on cars, I get that part too I grew up in Saratoga. Where are you?

Oh cool, I'm in Albany. Yeah upstate winters never help as far as do-it-yourself maintenance. Won't stop me though if it means saving a few hundred bucks.

 

[godzilla]

My mechanic said he couldn't be sure until he started the job, but it was a very real possibility he might have to spend a few hours wrestling around with things trying to take apart the axle on a truck with 250k miles. Does this sound right?
guys.

Sounds technically right, but really more like a mechanic trying to get every penny he can from you. Obviously it can be harder due to age, but just take a look down there and assess the difficulty yourself. He could have done that too if he wanted to give you a better estimate. I'd say if you dont have noticable oil on the inside of your wheel, its probably a very very slow leak (seep) and not a problem if you top off before and after your trip downstate.

This job is so easy. pull tire, disconnect brakes, remove 4 bolts from flange, pull axle, replace seal, reverse.

 

[raydouble]

raybouble - could you let me know how to check the rear diff. fluid? Thanks again guys.

Fill (on level ground) till it starts running out,when it stops, put plug back in.

or since you know yours leaks, I might leave mine a little over filled and put plug back in.

 

[JeremyH]

The fluid level should be 0 to 5 millimeters from the fill plug, it doesn't have to get down very far to starve the pinion bearing of lube......ask me how I know.

Yeah, I know. Those bearings see a lot of use and need the lubrication...

I might leave mine a little over filled and put plug back in.

Yeah, park it on a decline to overfill.

 

[chariot]

Thanks guys. It is pretty obvious where the fill plug is? Right on top of the differential?

 

[twitchee2]

its actually on the back its a big one 24mm if i remember correctly. little hint, if you have to drain and refil, make sure you can get the fill plug off first, that way if you cant get the drain out your aren't screwed. think about draining the diff then not being able to get the fill plug off...

 

[SkidPalace]

Thanks guys. It is pretty obvious where the fill plug is? Right on top of the differential?

Just drop your spare and climb under there. There's plenty of room even without jacking the truck. Ramps will give you tons of space to work.
The fill plug is on the back of the axle housing more or less in the middle staring you in the face. You will need a 24mm 6-point socket and a good long breaker bar to get your most likely rusted plug out. Be careful if you only have a 12 pointer, you will prolly just mangle it. If it is very rusty and rounded off, you might be able to get a 15/16 socket on there. The key is to use a 6 pointer, not a 12.
Also, on top of your diff housing slightly to the left looking from the rear is the breather valve. Unscrew that and be sure you can blow air through it but not suck air in. Blocked valves are a common cause for leaking seals. They get clogged with mud and gunk occasionally. But with as many miles as you have on it, your seals are polly just worn out.
If you are going to go through the trouble to get down under the rig and check the level, you may as well just get three quarts of gear oil and change the fluid completely. Just remember what twichee said. Take out the fill plug FIRST.

 

[chariot]

Alright guys, soon as school's out I'll gather up some tools and get crackin'. One last (perhaps stupid) question - seeing how the fill plug lies vertically on the side of the differential, how does one pour fluid in there? Thanks again for all the help.

 

[raydouble]

Alright guys, soon as school's out I'll gather up some tools and get crackin'. One last (perhaps stupid) question - seeing how the fill plug lies vertically on the side of the differential, how does one pour fluid in there? Thanks again for all the help.

Since you won't need a lot of fluid, buy a quart jug with a squirt tip ......
one of these....

 

[004Gunner]

Thanks guys. It is pretty obvious where the fill plug is? Right on top of the differential?

Yeah you can't miss it. The fill is on top the drain is on the bottom. I wouldn't attempt the job without a seal set or a very large socket that matches the diameter of the seal. If it doesn't seat properly, it leaks again. Other than it, it's a very simple repair. And definitely look at the inside of your wheel to see if there is oil. You can spray a degreaser on the wheel, rinse off the oil to start fresh, and then monitor the leak from there. If you can't see oil on the wheel, then look at the backing plate at the end of the axle for any signs of oil.