Front Axle Seal Leak

[phillyd2]

So, I'm at the beach this week and noticed a small puddle under the front of the truck that felt greasy. With the skids on it was hard to determine where is was coming from but I finally managed to see it was from around the axle. I called Shore Toyota (close to where I am) and they had me bring it in this morning.

First off, its funny as hell to see the service and sales departments literally come to halt as they all circled the truck checking it out.

The service manager offered the usual: if whatever is wrong was caused by whatever you modified its not covered speech.

Anyways, it turned out to be a front axle seal. They had it in stock and I was on my way in about 3 hours. Overall, no complaints as everything worked out - it was fixed under warrantee and they treated me well.

But I do wonder what would cause the seal to fail. Even the service manager said it was rare. Two weeks ago I did have ARB front lockers installed and this was my first trip since that was over a few miles. Could that have anything to do with it?

 

[K O]

I don't believe there's any coincidence between the one time you opened your front axle and it leaking.

 

[brockeverly]

Mine just went out at 38k as well. Drivers side, and about 3k since a fluid change.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Had my passenger side go out. Friends say it could be from dirt or mud getting lodged in there plus adding pressure washing to try and get the gunk out. Replaced under warranty so I don't care.

 

[harper7]

So, I'm at the beach this week and noticed a small puddle under the front of the truck that felt greasy. With the skids on it was hard to determine where is was coming from but I finally managed to see it was from around the axle. I called Shore Toyota (close to where I am) and they had me bring it in this morning.

First off, its funny as hell to see the service and sales departments literally come to halt as they all circled the truck checking it out.

The service manager offered the usual: if whatever is wrong was caused by whatever you modified its not covered speech.

Anyways, it turned out to be a front axle seal. They had it in stock and I was on my way in about 3 hours. Overall, no complaints as everything worked out - it was fixed under warrantee and they treated me well.

But I do wonder what would cause the seal to fail. Even the service manager said it was rare. Two weeks ago I did have ARB front lockers installed and this was my first trip since that was over a few miles. Could that have anything to do with it?

They had the CV axles out when they removed your clamshell front diff for the ARB locker install and could have pinched or damaged the seal putting them back on. The shaft weight can't be on the seal putting them in or or it can damage it.

You kind of got lucky that Toyota warrantied it if they knew it was worked on already!

Here is what the drivers side seal on the diff looks like as I snapped a pic when I had my CV axles out.

And here is Chase explaining the play at the cv axle and a possible cause for the drivers side leaks. Toyota still uses this exact same front 8" clamshell diff on ours and on many Toyota trucks for years.
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x4qw5GtfoRc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[brockeverly]

Mine just went out at 38k as well. Drivers side, and about 3k since a fluid change.

Mine just went out at 38k as well. Drivers side, and about 3k since a fluid change.

^^^

 

[homeyclaus]

I am going to assume the obvious: Those with the seal issue do kick their vehicle into 4wd every couple of months (or have limiteds)?

If those seals were to dry up from disuse they'll either start leaking, or will start leaking when you do finally engage 4wd.

OP, you getting an ARB locker makes me think the above does not apply to you, and I agree with other posters about the locker installer possibly having damaged the seal when the CV shafts were put back in. One thing, FSM or not, I was taught to put some assembly grease on the inside of those seals (actually the splines too). Theory: If grease was put on the inside of the seal by the shop installing the ARB's, that means it may have been the wrong thing to do. If they didn't, then ... that was the wrong way to do. Can you call and ask them?

 

[brockeverly]

Mine is definitely used, and often. I'm not sure why mine went out, but it wasn't from that!

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Mine is definitely used, and often. I'm not sure why mine went out, but it wasn't from that!

Ditto. And I still engaged the 4wd every now and then to make sure its all lubed up.

 

[brockeverly]

I don't believe there's any coincidence between the one time you opened your front axle and it leaking.

WTF are these? Spammers that suck at hyperlinking?

 

[nevada]

WTF are these? Spammers that suck at hyperlinking?

yup.
this site is rife with them.

 

[brockeverly]

yup.
this site is rife with them.

Better not post in any threads then, might get banned like I did last time....

 

[njrunner21]

Front axle seal

Hello, I'm wondering if someone here might have a moment to help a fellow 4runner enthusiast with a little problem. I have a 2012 4Runner Trail edition (6000 mi) and find myself in the exact same problem (passenger front axle seal leak) except my dealer claims it is not a warranty issue because I put on new front shocks that they claim voids the warranty on this issue. I need to provide some documentation to them that establishes that Toyota has created a precedent for fixing this problem even with a modified suspension. Would it be at all possible for anyone to fax me or scan me a copy of your dealers paperwork? My fax is 661-259-3696. My cell is 818-430-4364. Thank you in advance.
Nicholas Betty

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Hello, I'm wondering if someone here might have a moment to help a fellow 4runner enthusiast with a little problem. I have a 2012 4Runner Trail edition (6000 mi) and find myself in the exact same problem (passenger front axle seal leak) except my dealer claims it is not a warranty issue because I put on new front shocks that they claim voids the warranty on this issue. I need to provide some documentation to them that establishes that Toyota has created a precedent for fixing this problem even with a modified suspension. Would it be at all possible for anyone to fax me or scan me a copy of your dealers paperwork? My fax is 661-259-3696. My cell is 818-430-4364. Thank you in advance.
Nicholas Betty

Could always show them this thread.

O

Good luck.

 

[Narkhelek]

I have a 2012 4Runner Trail edition (6000 mi) and find myself in the exact same problem (passenger front axle seal leak) except my dealer claims it is not a warranty issue because I put on new front shocks that they claim voids the warranty on this issue.
Nicholas Betty

Ask them how replacing shocks could possibly have anything to do with the seals leaking. Unless you're leaving some details out nothing about replacing shocks requires any modification of the axles or could possibly damage the seals. If that still doesn't work go find a dealership that isn't completely clueless.

If you want documentation show them the Toyota factory repair manual (downloadable from this forum) that shows the exact process of replacing a shock which doesn't require touching the axles at all.

 

[CoolMax]

Mine started leaking at 64k and was replaced for free under the powertrain warranty.
Just so happens that I was at an off-road park the previous weekend...:llama: