Rear differential leaking a quart of oil a month from center diff and both axles

[JoshKY]

I've got a 99 4Runner, V6, 5 speed, 4wd, 216k miles, NO RUST (almost its entire existence was in Texas)

The rear differential is leaking about a 1/4 qt oil a week from the pumpkin in the center AND both axle seals, there is splatter all on the inside of both the rear wheels.

I got a quote from a reliable shop and they said to do it right, which might mean replacing bearings and doing some hard learned methods so those axle seals stay sealed, $2100-3500. I paid $4500 for the truck just over a year ago. Needless to say I'll be doing this job myself and I'm not too confident I'll know what I'm seeing.

Recently I had all the work and satisfaction of tracing a bad noise and vibration to a mangled double cardan joint on the driveshaft and was fortunate to find a pristine replacement at a local pick and pull. To be bluntly honest, I'm burnt out on scouring forums and youtube to teach me what I've got to do for this job.

I need to replace all the seals in my rear differential and axles, replace the brake shoes and clean the drums which I was told will be covered in the oil from the splatter, and be able to diagnose any other issues going on to prevent the seals from failing again.

If anyone has any previous forum threads, write-ups, videos, or diagrams about differential seal replacement, diagnostics, and brake shoe replacements I am super grateful for any help in pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks

 

[4x4runner2002]

You need to read this thread.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...e-information-replacement-thread-3rd-gen.html

 

[gamefreakgc]

$3500, for rear axle seals? Oh gosh, they like to fleece people.

Read the thread, I've done this twice now. You just need to find a machine shop that will press out/in the new bearings, and can order all the parts or buy from your local dealer. If you buy from a dealer most will let you return un-opened parts you may not use (ABS ring, retaining rings)

 

[frodiesel]

Jebus mang. Just sell the truck to me for a couple g's. Seriously sounds like they were trying to scare you outta ownership! What a bunch of jokers at that shop. I heard dealers charge half that, but i did it in my driveway and a couple trips to the dealer or machine shop. First try, still dry. Something like 300-700 in OEM parts and labor. Only use oem parts, they can be had cheap at dallas toyota or camelback toyota

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I've got a 99 4Runner, V6, 5 speed, 4wd, 216k miles, NO RUST (almost its entire existence was in Texas)

The rear differential is leaking about a 1/4 qt oil a week from the pumpkin in the center AND both axle seals, there is splatter all on the inside of both the rear wheels.

I got a quote from a reliable shop and they said to do it right, which might mean replacing bearings and doing some hard learned methods so those axle seals stay sealed, $2100-3500. I paid $4500 for the truck just over a year ago. Needless to say I'll be doing this job myself and I'm not too confident I'll know what I'm seeing.

Recently I had all the work and satisfaction of tracing a bad noise and vibration to a mangled double cardan joint on the driveshaft and was fortunate to find a pristine replacement at a local pick and pull. To be bluntly honest, I'm burnt out on scouring forums and youtube to teach me what I've got to do for this job.

I need to replace all the seals in my rear differential and axles, replace the brake shoes and clean the drums which I was told will be covered in the oil from the splatter, and be able to diagnose any other issues going on to prevent the seals from failing again.

If anyone has any previous forum threads, write-ups, videos, or diagrams about differential seal replacement, diagnostics, and brake shoe replacements I am super grateful for any help in pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks

Are we forgetting WHY the pumpkin is leaking? Hopefully it's just the crushwashers in the drain or fill plugs. Maybe the pinion seal. Anything else and you either need a welder or new housing.

 

[FJ40zen]

$2100-3500 is pretty darn steep. I would question any of their work. Having access to an SST for the job can make this very quick and easy, but you might need assistance with how to use it, pressing the rings off first, then the bearing. You can also pry the axle seals out with the axle splines when you pull the axles, which is much quicker than using a seal puller. Pressing the bearing back on is the most difficult part of re-assembly, which is cake. The rings can go back on with a piece of ~2x2 tubing while tapping them into position like a fence post driver. Be careful not to mar the ring surface. Use assembly lube and be sure to measure the position of the ABS rings before and after. I did this to a friends 4runner a year or so ago to find out the previous owner used a torch to blow the bearing off. Not good. The machine surface of the axle must be kept smooth.

 

[JoshKY]

Are we forgetting WHY the pumpkin is leaking? Hopefully it's just the crushwashers in the drain or fill plugs. Maybe the pinion seal. Anything else and you either need a welder or new housing.

Thanks for bringing this up. Someone suggested a rusted out housing, which is why I mentioned this 4Runner has been in the desert all its existence.

Welder I have, new housing might be sitting in a junkyard in town.

 

[JoshKY]

$2100-3500 is pretty darn steep. I would question any of their work. Having access to an SST for the job can make this very quick and easy, but you might need assistance with how to use it, pressing the rings off first, then the bearing. You can also pry the axle seals out with the axle splines when you pull the axles, which is much quicker than using a seal puller. Pressing the bearing back on is the most difficult part of re-assembly, which is cake. The rings can go back on with a piece of ~2x2 tubing while tapping them into position like a fence post driver. Be careful not to mar the ring surface. Use assembly lube and be sure to measure the position of the ABS rings before and after. I did this to a friends 4runner a year or so ago to find out the previous owner used a torch to blow the bearing off. Not good. The machine surface of the axle must be kept smooth.

Sorry SST sounds like it could be a common acronym. What does that stand for?

 

[TXLX1]

That's excessive. If it was that much in reality, I'd go pull a housing and axles off a lower mile junk truck and replace the whole thing. I'd bet a Toyota shop could replace bearings and seals for under $1k. If the pumpkin is leaking, you may have other issue.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Sorry SST sounds like it could be a common acronym. What does that stand for?

Special Service Tool

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Thanks for bringing this up. Someone suggested a rusted out housing, which is why I mentioned this 4Runner has been in the desert all its existence.

Welder I have, new housing might be sitting in a junkyard in town.

Before all that, just find out where it's leaking. Clean it up good. Use some brakeKleen to finish. Will leave a dry, hazy finish. Will be easy to spot the leak.

 

[kolelt]

Bro ? $3k ? I mean BRUH! Don't you dare ! I suggest finding where it's leaking from. By cleaning it very good and let it sit for little. If the pumpkin is rusted badly then either weld new metal or just get a used axle for like $200-500. And swap it. It's like 10 bolts. Or if it's leaking around the tire area. Then replace the axle seal. And most likely the bearing. Then take your family out on vacation or nice dinner with the rest money.