So my 07 made it almost a year from my FJ spring swap. When I did the swap I was pretty hard on the prybar and am not at all surprised that my drivers side CV axel needs replaced.
In 7 pages though I am surprised no one has asked the following tow questions:
1. Do I REALLY need to replace both CV axels? or is just replacing the bad one fine.
2. Do I REALLY need to replace the seals? I if it ain't broke, do fix it and if it does leak, it isn't that big of a deal to take it apart to do it again. Am I wrong?
Also, my gift to you.
Toyota 4Runner CV Axle Drive Shaft Replacement - YouTube
A video of what we are all talking about.
Ok, here's my take and some notes learned from my install. You can probably get away with only replacing the axle that needs it, however I did both for the following reasoning: One went bad and the other has the same mileage so how much longer will it go before the same (or worse ) issue presents itself.
As for the seals, are you speaking of the axle seals at the diff? I'd just replace them:
1. they are inexpensive
2. you have everything apart anyway so you have plenty of access
3. they have the same mileage as other drive line components so the condition of the seal ought to be inspected
4. how well is your inspection of the seal really giving you a good picture of it's condition, why not : (see #1 and #2)?
5. it could get damaged in the removal of the old CV.
But if you're sure there is no issue with them then I guess you could just leave 'em.
The seals are pretty easy to put it. I used a 2" PVC end cap as a seal driver. The PVC cap is just larger that the seal's contact surface. It will rest right where you want it on the outer flange of the seal. Just be sure to keep an eye on where the original one was positioned.
The drivers side flange sits flush with the flat rim of the diff housing, right there where the seal goes. I hope that makes sense.
The passenger side seats in a little further. About a 1/4 to 1/2" I'd guess inside of the diff housing there is a "ledge" or some sort of line where there is a very slight change in the inner surface diameter. If you look you can see it, and you can feel it with your finger. The seal flange sits flush with that "ledge." I hope THAT makes sense...
Be careful about installing the passenger side too far. The seal can go deeper into the diff housing, but the couple member I remember reading who did that reported leaks until they re-installed to the correct location.
Be sure to apply a little oil or grease on the outer edge to help keep the seal from binding as you install it, and also put a little bit of oil / grease on the contact lip with the axle.
~Bob
