Rear Axle Seal Leak? How urgent?

[Capnbob]

Hello,

I just took my '97 4Runner into Midas to have my A/C serviced and I was told that my rear axle seal is leaking.

I know nothing about auto mechanics. He said it would be about $450-500 to fix.

My big question is how urgent is this? I had plans to drive out of town today (about 150 miles round trip) and am concerned that I shouldn't put the miles on my truck.

Should I park the thing until I can get it fixed or can I let this go for a while? What could happen if I ignore it?

Thanks!

 

[legokcen]

Any idea which side it is? There are two seals, one on each side of the axle, near the end. One of these is more than likely the one leaking. The bad thing that can happen as the leak gets worse is that the oil will leak into the drum brake. At that point, with lube oil in the brake drum, you won't have much braking ability with that axle.

You don't necessarily have to park it, but you shouldn't sit on it for too long.

 

[Capnbob]

Any idea which side it is? There are two seals, one on each side of the axle, near the end. One of these is more than likely the one leaking. The bad thing that can happen as the leak gets worse is that the oil will leak into the drum brake. At that point, with lube oil in the brake drum, you won't have much braking ability with that axle.

You don't necessarily have to park it, but you shouldn't sit on it for too long.

It's on the driver's side. Based on a suggestion from a friend, I took out the bolt at the back of the differential and found that it was still full enough of gear oil for me to dip my finger into it.

After checking it, I put about 200 miles on my truck yesterday and it still seems just as full.

I guess the leak's not that bad.

 

[Charlee78]

If you want to know how bad it is, you will have to remove the wheel and drum to look at the shoes to see if they are contminated...