Just went wheelin yesterday and I see grease sprayed all over the FRONT driver CV joint, so I know probably both CV joints needs to be replaced. I also saw grease all over the inside of the passenger REAR rim around the brake area and into the wheel well. I have not taken the tire off yet to see what the problem is but what should I expect??
Grease all over the rear rim??
- Thread starter raven1911
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Grease as in oil? Most likely your axle seal is shot and your leaking gear oil. Gear oil has a distinct smell. Either that or brake fluid, probably would notice a spongy brake pedal if it was brake fluid.
rossgoldie
New member
Looks like your rear inner axle seal went out, easy fix.
As for the front, your cv boot most likely ripped, thats what happened to mine. You'll know if your CV joints are going out by the distinct "clicking" sound when you turn or drive straight. I've driven thousands of miles on my torn boots (not recommended) so you should be fine until you can replace the boots. If they're not ripped, the clamps on the ends might have failed which means you can just replace them with marine-rated tube clamps; just don't tighten them too much or else you will rip the end of the boot
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mtbtim
Elite Member
Rear axle seal an easy fix? I guess it would be easy if it's just a matter of replacing the axle seal but the cause of the axle seal failing is often partly or mostly due to a failing wheel bearing allowing more movement in the axle. You could try just replacing the axle seal but Toyota redesigned the axle seal and the lip now sits more inboard towards the differential. So, the seal might not be riding on the retainer very well and it will leak again, especially if the cause of the axle seal failing was due to a worn wheel bearing. The wheel bearing on the affected side has been compromised regardless if it was the cause of the axle seal failing. The gear oil gets into the bearing and washes out the grease which will shorten the life of the bearing.
If you do decide to replace all the parts on the axles, it's not exactly an easy DIY fix. You either have to bring the axles to a machine shop that knows what they're doing or you get yourself a hydraulic press and go for it yourself.
Do a Google search for 3rd Gen 4runner Rear Axle Seal Repair and you'll find good write-ups on the subject.
rossgoldie
New member
Whoops I meant to say inner axle seal which is pretty DIY. I guess difficulty is relative.
calvinv8sr5
New member
Check your rear axle vent to see if it's stopped up, if your axle builds too much pressure it'll blow a seal... seal will cost about 10$. Remove the rear brake then parking brake, pull axle out, change the seal, put silicone around the housing, then put back together, top off fluid good to go
live action!!
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
Silicone around the housing?
calvinv8sr5
New member
I don't have a pic. But where the 4 bolts mount, on the front side of the hub there is a small o ring, on mine there was black silicone, Idk if there is supposed to be a full gasket there, but black silicone will do jus fine. Mines bee. Fixed for approx 4k miles now so sign of leaks, make sure you check the vent on the axle, you'll fix the leak then it'll blow again if you don't make sure it's clean
live action!!
Chuckles89
New member
:laugh:
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
Oh ok. There's just an oring there but the silicone shouldn't hurt anything. Only really keeps the dust out that cavity anyways.
diverscale
Member
1- it is very easy to move out the retainer on which the seal sits a few millimeters, just using two leverage bars and a few shims, Use the ABS retainer as the base as it offers more resistance on the shaft.
And doing a grease test to ensure the seal is riding properly on the retainer.
2- do not take for granted the the bearings are shot. I would change the seals, then if the bearings have no play in them, just leave them on. Even if the bearing fail down the road, you do not have to change the seal again. Just ride the old bearing and see, change if they fail.
This should make op's life easier for the time being about the back section of his truck
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