Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

[mvinsable]

Hello,
I have had 6 rear axle seals blow out in the past year. Les Schwab did a exam on the axle and said there is a slight run in the axle that may be causing the seal to wear and leak.

I found a used axle, pulled with the ABS ring and bearing already on it for $85.00.

Anyone have any advice on the replacement? Is it pretty easy to switch out? or anything I need to keep an eye out for?

Thanks!

I have a 1999 Toyota 4Runner. V6. 16" Wheels. ABS. 4x4

 

[brian2sun]

That's pretty cheap for a whole axle. Does it come with the 3rd member too? I'm guessing no, but you don't need it anyways. It would probably be wise to do all the seals in the new axle before you put it in so at least you have a fresh clean start with this one (besides, you're at pro at it by now!).

The axle just bolts up so it's pretty straight forward. You'll want to mark the driveshaft before disconnecting it from the 3rd so you can make sure it's lined up correctly when it goes back together.

 

[mvinsable]

So.. I am newbie.
What part is the 3rd member?

So, to do all the seals, I will have to take it to a machine shop and have them press the bearings and ABS ring on?
I was hoping to avoid that....

 

[GoFaSSter]

That's pretty cheap for a whole axle. Does it come with the 3rd member too? I'm guessing no, but you don't need it anyways. It would probably be wise to do all the seals in the new axle before you put it in so at least you have a fresh clean start with this one (besides, you're at pro at it by now!).

The axle just bolts up so it's pretty straight forward. You'll want to mark the driveshaft before disconnecting it from the 3rd so you can make sure it's lined up correctly when it goes back together.

It sounds like he bought an axle, not an axle housing.

 

[brian2sun]

Ah good call. Disregard what I said I'm smoking CRACK! I read it fast and was thinking you picked up a complete axle at a junk yard or something. No wonder $85 sounded so cheap haha!

The 3rd member is the diff, but it sounds like you got an axle shaft instead so nevermind.

 

[mvinsable]

haha. Oh yes. Just the axle shaft.
I thought there was something crucial I was missing for a second.

So... after I get the axle, am I going to have to pay a shop to switch out the bearings and ABS ring, ect?