Rear Axle Seals: The Ultimate Information and Replacement Thread (3rd gen)
- Thread starter BigFishAllDay
- Start date
Mynameistommy510
New member
All the other stuff is necessary. Everything has to be pressed off (retainers, abs speed rings, etc.) to get to your bearing. The old stuff is not as strong and will not seat snug back onto the axle when the press work is done.
Figure out how to view the pictures and read through this thread thoroughly. It will answer most, if not all of your questions.
Just did this job after discovering my seals and bearings were bad after pulling the axles for a locker install. Really great writeup! I chose to reuse parts where possible and really don't foresee any problems. I cut the outer retaining collars with a dremel and then applied some light (heavy) heat to the ABS ring and it slid right off. So the inner retaining collars and both ABS rings were re-used.With the help of the one and only Zuk , who was installing my locker, and his shop press and home-fab bearing puller it was all pretty smooth.
I was surprised to find that someone (previous owners) had done a really shoddy job at replacing the bearings previously. I found marks where a hammer and screwdriver was used to get the collars back in place and one of the C clips was literally halfway unseated. I am imagining it was just shoddy work (probably by the same people who botched a water pump and timing belt install on the vehicle) that led to the bearing and seal failure.
There is a surprising amount of play in the new bearings but Zuk assured me that is expected and this is corroborated by what others have said so don't be freaked out when there is some back and forth play when everything is assembled.
Thanks for the writeup!
I was surprised to find that someone (previous owners) had done a really shoddy job at replacing the bearings previously. I found marks where a hammer and screwdriver was used to get the collars back in place and one of the C clips was literally halfway unseated. I am imagining it was just shoddy work (probably by the same people who botched a water pump and timing belt install on the vehicle) that led to the bearing and seal failure.
There is a surprising amount of play in the new bearings but Zuk assured me that is expected and this is corroborated by what others have said so don't be freaked out when there is some back and forth play when everything is assembled.
Thanks for the writeup!
I assume the press you used was labeled 10 ton but in reality you used far less to assemble? The press we have at work lets you know the current tonnage and I never exceeded 1 ton with my install. I am trying to save someone someone on here from being worried about their install because they only used 1 ton like me.
Xinirgi
New member
Nope. It is a 50T electronic controlled hydraulic press, with a pressure gauge letting you know current working pressure. There is no need for anyone to be worried about what they're using, as long as you are able to press everything to the correct depth/location there is no matter how big or small of a press you use.
floatingkiwi
Member
The bearings are self centering so yes they have an unusual amount of "rock" in them!
afg10000
New member
Just an FYI if this hasn't been posted prior. BFAD's amended parts # list for 2000-2002 4Runners.
inner seal - 90310-50006
bearing - 90363-40068
ABS rotor - 43517-35010
bearing retainer x2 - 42423-20010
outer seal - 90313-54001
snap ring - 90520-36045
O-ring - 90301-88077
Hope this helps.
inner seal - 90310-50006
bearing - 90363-40068
ABS rotor - 43517-35010
bearing retainer x2 - 42423-20010
outer seal - 90313-54001
snap ring - 90520-36045
O-ring - 90301-88077
Hope this helps.
Mynameistommy510
New member
I had the entire job done at a shop for $900. A year later I discovered tons of oil in the drums. I didn't notice for so long because I trusted the shops work. Took it back to the shop in hopes of them cutting me a deal but no luck.
I pulled the shafts out, planning on just replacing the shoes and the inner seals only to discover extremely poor press work and a nick in the shaft from a cut tool. The press work was so poor one side had the two retainers and toner ring pressed all the way against each other.
I put new inner retainers on, lining them up with new seals using the grease test. That lasted about 2 months until my previously soaked bearings completely failed.
Looks like I'll be building the puller tool for my press and doing the whole job. Which I should have from the start. Hopefully I can hide that nick with a retainer.
I pulled the shafts out, planning on just replacing the shoes and the inner seals only to discover extremely poor press work and a nick in the shaft from a cut tool. The press work was so poor one side had the two retainers and toner ring pressed all the way against each other.
I put new inner retainers on, lining them up with new seals using the grease test. That lasted about 2 months until my previously soaked bearings completely failed.
Looks like I'll be building the puller tool for my press and doing the whole job. Which I should have from the start. Hopefully I can hide that nick with a retainer.
jhuerta22
Member
Bearing Press: How Far
So, I lucked out and found a buddy with a press and has the bearing fittings to do the job, free of charge! My question is, when I press on the retainers, how far do I press them back onto the axle? Is there a groove cut into the axle that will stop it, or does it need to be measured out?
So, I lucked out and found a buddy with a press and has the bearing fittings to do the job, free of charge! My question is, when I press on the retainers, how far do I press them back onto the axle? Is there a groove cut into the axle that will stop it, or does it need to be measured out?
JeepKiller
New member
So what are the risks of not fixing this asap?
JayRolla
New member
Hi all :usa2:
Is it a good chance that the rear axle seal is leaking?
Pics didnt load but if your drum is wet on the back then I say 90% yes! Could be a leaky brake cylinder but you would know since brake fluid would be low.
JayRolla
New member
To me from the pics the brake cylinder looks fine. Im guessing a small leak, mine was completely soaked. Or you may have lost most the fluid. I would check your rear diff fluid ASAP.
Hi all :usa2:
Is it a good chance that the rear axle seal is leaking?
Looks pretty dry except the last pic! I think most people end up with their drum SOAKED. I think mine ended up being a slow leak or perhaps even the cylinder but here's what it looked like for reference.
