Repaired axle seal longevity?

[Clifford]

I had one of my rear axle seals replaced 2 years ago and it has started leaking again. None of the other 3 have ever leaked- 165K on the truck at this point plenty of off road use.
How long can aftermarket seals be expected to last? I would assume 10 years or so and need to prepare for talking to my mechanic who did the repair. It cost me close to $500 if I recall and that is not small change for something that only lasted 2 years. Differential fluid level was fine but still disconcerting to see a small leak on this repair.
Any experience or info you guys can share appreciated-
C

 

[amalik]

I had one of my rear axle seals replaced 2 years ago and it has started leaking again. None of the other 3 have ever leaked- 165K on the truck at this point plenty of off road use.
How long can aftermarket seals be expected to last? I would assume 10 years or so and need to prepare for talking to my mechanic who did the repair. It cost me close to $500 if I recall and that is not small change for something that only lasted 2 years. Differential fluid level was fine but still disconcerting to see a small leak on this repair.
Any experience or info you guys can share appreciated-
C

For starters, he should be using OEM parts, but part of that is your fault for either not bringing him the OEM parts or specifying he has to use them (and you will pay for them accordingly).

You could strike a conversation up with him. Let him know it's leaking again, see what he says?

 

[Clifford]

I don't actually know what brand parts were used. I have the invoice it says they replaced the wheel bearing and used seal type S and K and a ring snap. Bearing $110, type S $15, type K $21, bearing pressing $85 etc. Work done 9/19/12 at odo 152,401 so it lasted about 12K miles. Will see what comes of our conversation.

 

[Climber]

I don't actually know what brand parts were used. I have the invoice it says they replaced the wheel bearing and used seal type S and K and a ring snap. Bearing $110, type S $15, type K $21, bearing pressing $85 etc. Work done 9/19/12 at odo 152,401 so it lasted about 12K miles. Will see what comes of our conversation.

I just ordered those exact parts from camelback toyota where all part are 100% oem for 81$ For all of the parts, looks like you mech doubled prices on you and you still don't even know if it's oem....

 

[TheeMikeB]

3rd gens are notorious for real axle seal issues. Search and you will find numerous threads on the subject. It really isn't the aftermarket seal as much as the design. Although if you do it again I'd spend the extra few $$ for OEM seals. It also isn't that difficult to do yourself if you have basic mech skills. There are several writeups on here detailing how to do it.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Is that for one side? Those OEM bearings are about $70-80. OEM outer seal is about $10-15. I didn't see the retainer in there. You need to replace at least the one that the outer seal rides on. I did all the work myself when I did mine including the press work. Can reuse the circlip if care is taken on it's removal. Some replace the ABS exciter but I believe they are cutting the parts off (which can lead to other problems/leaks) I did follow DR Coffee's tips on turning the retainer around so the seal rides perfectly in the center of the retainer. That retainer position is absolutely critical in doing this repair properly. If those retainers are out of position by even a few mm, a leak could develop prematurely.

There's several really good write ups on here. Check them out. Also check out DR Coffee's tips. Good stuff in there.

One more thing make sure your differential breather is not restricted. It will cause the gear oil to weep out. Some have said that replacing a restricted breather stopped the seal leakage.

Also make sure to do both sides. Good luck!

 

[Clifford]

Yes only 1 side. They did the snap ring as well. I don't see a retainer listed. Why do both sides if only 1 leaked?
Thanks for the info I have some homework to do now.
C