dtziheucdavis
New member
Hi guys,
Just wanted to share a story about my rear axle seals. When I found out about the repair, I used this forum as a source of information to learn more, so I thought I would share my story here. I'm a professional engineer (electrical/computer), but not extremely knowledgeable or hands on about cars or anything beyond changing the oil or bulbs sometimes.
So I've got a 99 4Runner with 120k miles. Last week, I took the car in for pulsating brakes between 40mph-50mph, thinking that I needed to change or reshape the rotors. They told me the rotors were ok, but that I had a rear axle seal leak and that fluid might be leaking into the rear drum brakes, which might be causing the vibration while braking. They quoted ~$1000 for the repair and said they would have to send some parts out to a shop since their machine wouldnt be big enough to accomodate the 4Runner parts.
Naturally, I felt a little uneasy about both the cost and complexity of this repair, so I took the 4Runner to another shop the next day to get a 2nd opinion. This shop is staffed by an old guy with a lot of experience. The next day, he made the repairs for only $65 dollars. In line with what a lot of people on this forum have mentioned, he mentioned that the breather on the axle was simply clogged and this was causing pressure to build up in the axle. He said he unclogged it and that the vehicle should be ok for now but that I should monitor the axle carefully. No costly repairs recommended - phewww. The brakes still pulsate, but not as severely as before.
I know what many might be thinking - "cool story bro". But in any case, I thought I'd share. Would also appreciate any opinions or comments on the two shops and their recommendations, repairs, etc.
Thanks.
Just wanted to share a story about my rear axle seals. When I found out about the repair, I used this forum as a source of information to learn more, so I thought I would share my story here. I'm a professional engineer (electrical/computer), but not extremely knowledgeable or hands on about cars or anything beyond changing the oil or bulbs sometimes.
So I've got a 99 4Runner with 120k miles. Last week, I took the car in for pulsating brakes between 40mph-50mph, thinking that I needed to change or reshape the rotors. They told me the rotors were ok, but that I had a rear axle seal leak and that fluid might be leaking into the rear drum brakes, which might be causing the vibration while braking. They quoted ~$1000 for the repair and said they would have to send some parts out to a shop since their machine wouldnt be big enough to accomodate the 4Runner parts.
Naturally, I felt a little uneasy about both the cost and complexity of this repair, so I took the 4Runner to another shop the next day to get a 2nd opinion. This shop is staffed by an old guy with a lot of experience. The next day, he made the repairs for only $65 dollars. In line with what a lot of people on this forum have mentioned, he mentioned that the breather on the axle was simply clogged and this was causing pressure to build up in the axle. He said he unclogged it and that the vehicle should be ok for now but that I should monitor the axle carefully. No costly repairs recommended - phewww. The brakes still pulsate, but not as severely as before.
I know what many might be thinking - "cool story bro". But in any case, I thought I'd share. Would also appreciate any opinions or comments on the two shops and their recommendations, repairs, etc.
Thanks.
