Rear Axle Leak- 2 part question

[davidaw]

Hi All

Just had the rear driver side seal go out on a road trip. Spotted (smelled ) it at the 1st rest stop so parked it and got a rental.
But still ended up with 150 miles of slinging gear oil, but actually came out to about a quart lost.

I had a spare seal from when the passenger side went a year ago.
So swapped it out and cleaned up, replace brakes etc.

I know the best practice, when this much comes out, is to do the bearings as well, See Below.

Question 1:
I'm getting a little dirty oil on the back plate after the new seal.
Its a dirty, greasy oil and does not smell like strong gear oil.
Is it possible that the seal is working and I'm getting some residual oil from the bearing mixed with the grease that its diluting.


Question 2:
Has anyone used the new Dorman full rear axles? It looks like an easy and cheap way to do the Bearing job and everything at once.
They are online for $470 or at auto parts stores for about 700.
Im thinking this is prob cheaper than having a shop do it.
I know the bearing needs to be done soon after the big leak.



Amazon.com: Dorman 926-141 Rear Driver Side Pre-Pressed Axle for Select Lexus/Toyota Models (OE FIX) : Automotive

2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Axle Shaft - Driveshaft & Axle - Dorman, Rear Left 03-09 4Runner Axle Shaft - 7926-03660424 - PartsGeek





Thanks
.

 

[AuSeeker]

Hi All

Just had the rear driver side seal go out on a road trip. Spotted (smelled ) it at the 1st rest stop so parked it and got a rental.
But still ended up with 150 miles of slinging gear oil, but actually came out to about a quart lost.

I had a spare seal from when the passenger side went a year ago.
So swapped it out and cleaned up, replace brakes etc.

I know the best practice, when this much comes out, is to do the bearings as well, See Below.

Question 1:
I'm getting a little dirty oil on the back plate after the new seal.
Its a dirty, greasy oil and does not smell like strong gear oil.
Is it possible that the seal is working and I'm getting some residual oil from the bearing mixed with the grease that its diluting.


Question 2:
Has anyone used the new Dorman full rear axles? It looks like an easy and cheap way to do the Bearing job and everything at once.
They are online for $470 or at auto parts stores for about 700.
Im thinking this is prob cheaper than having a shop do it.
I know the bearing needs to be done soon after the big leak.



Amazon.com: Dorman 926-141 Rear Driver Side Pre-Pressed Axle for Select Lexus/Toyota Models (OE FIX) : Automotive

2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Axle Shaft - Driveshaft & Axle - Dorman, Rear Left 03-09 4Runner Axle Shaft - 7926-03660424 - PartsGeek





Thanks
.

I do like this idea for those who don't want to deal with getting a new bearing pressed on the old axle....but what I don't like is that it's not a genuine OEM Koyo bearing and I fear that it won't last all that long, and not to mention the quality of the axle itself.

 

[rdruss]

Seen those advertised, I would sure be tempted to try it.

 

[davidaw]

Rock Auto has them for $375 or $385 depending on side.
15$ shipping.

I may give it a shot.

2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.0L V6 Axle Shaft | RockAuto

 

[Drcoffee]

Try this first. Replace the seal with OEM axle seal. Remove the retainer from your axle and buy a new OEM retainer, but install it with the bevel toward the wheel it will not hurt thr seal during install. As normal grease it before inserting the axle. I did this on my fj cruiser and 4runner and never had a leak again.

Original toyota parts are superior to any aftermarket part.

Here is my thread on my ‘07 FJC which is identical to the 4th gen runners.

Rear Axle leak & bearing replacement | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

 

[davidaw]

Thanks for the feed back

I was definitely still leaking after the seal replacement a few weeks ago.
Since I had to re-do it I went ahead and got the Dorman replacement from Rock Auto. $400 delivered in 2 days.

The retainer on the orig axle had a groove cut into it. See pic.
The seal I replace a few weeks back had the spring loose. Wondering if it could cause the groove in the retainer






I'll post some pics of the Dorman Axle

 

[davidaw]

New Dorman Axle pics i case anyone is interested
Seems identical.
Only part not supplied was the top screw/washer that the 2 parking Brake springs attach to. Just moved it over.

The Orig has a serrated look to the back of the bearing which I assumed was used by the Antilock/ATRAC. But the new one is smooth.
No issue or CEL so I assume its OK.

No way to tell the bearing manufacturer that I can see.

Comes with a new seal and ORing, but I used Toyota seal.

Was very well boxed and came in 2 days from Rock Auto

 

[Drcoffee]

Removed