Rear axle seal leak

[eleven14]

Good deal. I'm looking at going ahead and replacing the rear brakes with the PowerStop z36 kit and I guess I'll do the bearing and seal too. Did you do the bearing work yourself, or take to a shop? I have read the bearing is a PITA, but the seal is relatively easy. Where did you buy the seal and bearing?

Do you have a write up or any documented steps for relocating the diff breather?

Due to time commitments, I had a shop do the work but wouldn't hesitate to tackle it myself if needed in the future and time allows.

These are the write-ups I'd refer to for seals/bearings:
4th Gen Rear Wheel Bearing DIY
Don't wait replace your rear wheel bearings!

And on this last round, I went Akebono pads and Centric rotors all around and have been happy with them (also encountered a frozen caliper during the swap, so be prepared for that possibility), but I hear the PowerStop stuff is really good as well.

On the diff breather, start with these:
Rear diff breather install - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm7eLX7s4pg

 

[SHagood]

Due to time commitments, I had a shop do the work but wouldn't hesitate to tackle it myself if needed in the future and time allows.

These are the write-ups I'd refer to for seals/bearings:
4th Gen Rear Wheel Bearing DIY
Don't wait replace your rear wheel bearings!

And on this last round, I went Akebono pads and Centric rotors all around and have been happy with them (also encountered a frozen caliper during the swap, so be prepared for that possibility), but I hear the PowerStop stuff is really good as well.

On the diff breather, start with these:
Rear diff breather install - Toyota 120 Platforms Forumhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm7eLX7s4pg

Absolutely perfect! Thank you sir, I appreciate the prompt response.

 

[gaber6]

I had the same problem.. I replaced the seals/brakes first, then was sad to have to replace the brakes again because the bearings that were pressed onto the axle had slight ridges in them allowing the grease to leak out again. Took those to a shop to get new Timken bearings/bushings pressed on and all is sealed back up.

 

[Drcoffee]

I found a flaw in the rear axle seals in our 3rd gen and then again in my 07 FJC which shares the rear axle setup with our 4th gen 4runner. The bearing retainer doesnt doesnt extend far enough for the seal to seat in the center of the retainer. It will make more sense if you follow this link.

Rear Axle leak & bearing replacement | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

The easy solution is to cut the retainer off and install an new retainer with the beveled edge facing the wheel. You wont damage the seal I promise. I have done it on two trucks and have not had a failure. Once you flip the retainer, the seal rides in the center of the retainer. To install the new retainer, heat it with a oropane torch or in the oven broiler. It expands and you just drop it down to the bearing and C clip it in place.

 

[neurotictim]

Bumping this thread again because I'm really starting to sweat whether or not I'm prepared for this job. Failed inspection yesterday for "gear oil fouling brake pads" and immediately started researching. I've got the outer seals, two cans of Brakleen, and new pads. But after reading this thread I'm wondering if I'm gonna need inner seals, and maybe bearing? There's no play in the wheel, but can I repack the bearing?

I have reserved 4 hours at the local DIY Garage and they've got knowledgeable people there, plus I'm not too bad with a wrench, but I'm worried this might be beyond me. How likely is it that I need the inner seals/cut the retainer? Have I gotten in over my head?

 

[Drcoffee]

Whoa there cowboy. Before you take it apart, you should research how its done. There is no repacking a bearing option. They are sealed and not serviceable.

But here is what you can do to fix the leaking to pass inspection. Pull out the axle, replace the inner seal with a new OEM seal in the axle tube. Buy a new retainer and install it with the bevel facing the wheel. Grease it and reassemble. But know the bearing grease has been washed out and failure is coming.

How To FJ cruiser Wheel Bearing Replacment | Overland Adventures and Off-Road

FJCs use the same setup

 

[boostedprozac]

Whoa there cowboy. Before you take it apart, you should research how its done. There is no repacking a bearing option. They are sealed and not serviceable.

But here is what you can do to fix the leaking to pass inspection. Pull out the axle, replace the inner seal with a new OEM seal in the axle tube. Buy a new retainer and install it with the bevel facing the wheel. Grease it and reassemble. But know the bearing grease has been washed out and failure is coming.

How To FJ cruiser Wheel Bearing Replacment | Overland Adventures and Off-Road

FJCs use the same setup

Exactly what DrCoffee said, replace the inner seal once you pull the axles off. Remember that you’ll have to undo the parking brakes and cut welded spots that hold the brake lines to the dust plates. Once you get everything back on, replace the outer o ring as you put the axles back in. That should clean everything up until you have to replace the bearings. Good luck! It is a pretty easy fix.


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[Hunter61]

Before doing anything I'd check the rear differential breather vent. The top part of it is an upside cup that should move freely. It's purpose is to vent pressure out of the rear differential and if it's clogged from corrosion the pressure inside the differential housing will have no other place to escape except through the bearing seals.
When mine failed I had differential fluid leaking all over my rear brake and replacing the vent stopped that completely.
If yours is clogged you can free it up with PB blaster and a wire brush-occasionaly tapping it with a small hammer or something. That's a temporary fix until you get it replaced.

 

[Drcoffee]

Good point. Those little vents are crap. I changed mine to a remote vent, running a 3/8” hose barb, 3/8” transmission hose up behind the gas filler. But you can buy a new vent for $10