Help with 4R manual for differential oil seal

[pearlj10]

Greetings,

After two attempts, I have not yet correctly seated the front passenger side differential oil seal after re-gearing and replacing the cv axle. I tried replacing with new seal to exact depth of old one (still leaked) and also tried the method of getting it flush with the end of the differential tube and let the axle push it in the rest of the way (still leaked). Known as the "front differential carrier oil seal" in the Toyota manual (part #90311-47013 ), Toyota says to install in to a depth of 4.35 mm +/-45 mm. My problem is that I'm obviously having trouble deciphering the Toyota diagram. Can anyone please help me make sense of what should be a simple operation? Diagram from Toyota service manual is attached.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aha2988]

The diagram is showing the installation of the carrier seal, not the passenger side seal.

The Carrier seal (the one in your diagram) is located behind the pinion yoke, also known as a pinion yoke seal because that seal seals against the pinion yoke shaft once the pinion yoke is installed. The pinion yoke is what connects to the drive shaft.

the passenger side is installed the same way essentially except you dont need that press tool to push the seal in around a pinion shaft. The main thing to pay attention to when installing the seal is the direction of the seal. and even pressure around the seal when pressing it in.

Differential seals are one way seals the hold oil in but not out so to say so if you install it backwards the seal lip won't be facing in the proper direction to maintain the seal. also if you've pulled the seal out after an install attempt chances are you've damaged the new seal and need to start with a fresh one.

hope this helps.

 

[pearlj10]

Thanks aha,
I installed a new seal both attempts and definitely had them installed the correct direction. I did the driver's seal a year ago and it works perfectly. I am just uncertain of the mounting depth for the passenger's side. Incorrect mounting depth seems to be the only reason why I still have a leak. There is no obvious wear to the differential tube where the seal seats. Any tips on mounting depth, or better yet a picture, are much obliged.
Thanks!

 

[aha2988]

FRONT AXLE HOUSING & DIFFERENTIAL. Fits: 2003 TOYOTA 4Runner 4000CC 24-VALVE DOHC EFI, AUTOMATIC 5-SPEED | Village Toyota Parts


here's a break down, you'll notice there should be two snap rings installed after the seal is pushed up against the outer axle shaft bearing. one inner ring one outer ring

 

[ChaosStarter]

FRONT AXLE HOUSING & DIFFERENTIAL. Fits: 2003 TOYOTA 4Runner 4000CC 24-VALVE DOHC EFI, AUTOMATIC 5-SPEED | Village Toyota Parts
View attachment 69159

here's a break down, you'll notice there should be two snap rings installed after the seal is pushed up against the outer axle shaft bearing. one inner ring one outer ring

I see you mention the snap rings, but the seal is outside of the snap rings. The snap rings are actually for the outer bearing that holds the inner axle shaft in place.

 

[aha2988]

I see you mention the snap rings, but the seal is outside of the snap rings. The snap rings are actually for the outer bearing that holds the inner axle shaft in place.

word, haven't dug into a seal replacement yet just assumed from the breakdown order crazy design engineers drawing things out of order lol (notice my ocupation lol)

 

[ChaosStarter]

word, haven't dug into a seal replacement yet just assumed from the breakdown order crazy design engineers drawing things out of order lol (notice my ocupation lol)

LoL. Yea, the boys at Toyota screwed up on that one.

 

[nevada]

Greetings,

After two attempts, I have not yet correctly seated the front passenger side differential oil seal after re-gearing and replacing the cv axle. I tried replacing with new seal to exact depth of old one (still leaked) and also tried the method of getting it flush with the end of the differential tube and let the axle push it in the rest of the way (still leaked). Known as the "front differential carrier oil seal" in the Toyota manual (part #90311-47013 ), Toyota says to install in to a depth of 4.35 mm +/-45 mm. My problem is that I'm obviously having trouble deciphering the Toyota diagram. Can anyone please help me make sense of what should be a simple operation? Diagram from Toyota service manual is attached.

Thanks in advance.

that will never work.
and according to your specs, theyre wanting it almost 3/16" inboard of the end of the housing. that seems odd. is there a lip inside there that it goes up against?

or can you get a different seal, that has a shoulder, and can only go in so far?
the next seals you get, before you attempt to install them, test fit them to the axle, make sure theyre the right size. a couple times we've gotten the "correct" seal, that the ID was too big, and wouldnt seal. they must have been misboxed or something.

also, sometimes the spring can pop out when you're installing. pack some grease in that groove, it will help keep it in place.

 

[pearlj10]

Good advice. I installed a new snap ring on the diff side of the cv shaft when I replaced the axle. However, before I inserted the snap ring I test fit the shaft with the old seal just to see where it sat. I did not check the fitment of the lip of the seal around the shaft - just I confirmed that the part # was correct and tapped it in. I'll definitely be checking the ID of the seal and how it fits on the shaft next time. Not sure if Napa or anywhere else carries the seal. I used the Toyota ones...

 

[pearlj10]

So if I tap in the passenger's side seal to the same depth as the driver's side all should be well in the finicky CV world?

 

[nevada]

So if I tap in the passenger's side seal to the same depth as the driver's side all should be well in the finicky CV world?

the depth usually isnt too important, unless a shoulder on the cv is hitting it. so as long as that all clears, and the seal lip is riding on the smooth selaing surface, it would be fine.
the biggest thing is getting it in straight, and even.
it would be best if it was seated flush, again as long as the cv clears completely.
or, if you have a driver with a shoulder, so you can get it to the proper depth, while keeping it straight.

double check the cv too. make sure there are no grooves where the seal rides.

 

[pearlj10]

Thanks Nevada.
Anyone know the proper depth that Toyota calls for the passenger seal to be seated at?

 

[aha2988]

Thanks Nevada.
Anyone know the proper depth that Toyota calls for the passenger seal to be seated at?

push it in evenly and flush the front surface will be about 3/16'' to a 1/4'' behind the out side lip of the axle housing. Don't crush it in there just tap it in evenly you should be able to tell by feel that its seated as far as it will go without damaging anything.

check to insure the the inner diameter seal seals around to the CV axle shaft, then install. your leaking should be solved.

once the CV is installed make sure nothing from the inner CV housing is protruding towards or touching the seal.

 

[ChaosStarter]

push it in evenly and flush the front surface will be about 3/16'' to a 1/4'' behind the out side lip of the axle housing. Don't crush it in there just tap it in evenly you should be able to tell by feel that its seated as far as it will go without damaging anything.

check to insure the the inner diameter seal seals around to the CV axle shaft, then install. your leaking should be solved.

once the CV is installed make sure nothing from the inner CV housing is protruding towards or touching the seal.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[pearlj10]

Wonderful advice - thank you! I really am to the point where I'm thinking that there is some wear or other abnormality on the inner cv shaft that I just purchased (rmd from Napa) so I ordered one of the new Cardone Select shafts from Rock Auto and will install that with yet another new seal when the axle arrives (keeping the Napa one as a trail spare). Thanks again for all of the help everyone.