Replaced My Axle Seals 3 Times in 2 Months. What to do Next?

[LA4RUNNERGUY]

Right Rear Axle Seal

Took my 01 limited 2WD to dealer today for the 105k service, oil change, fluid checks etc... rear differential fluid change as well.

Mechanic informs me while rotating tires and checking brakes he noticed the right rear axle seal has some minimal signs of leakage, a little bit of oil was seen but not a lot. I was quoted $1200 and I am guessing this is just to fix the right seal since he never said anything about replacing both seals. This also includes new rear brake pads and a sensor, but not sure which sensor. I was told brake pads will get contaminated with oil so better off replacing.

Probably obvious since I don't change my oil, I won't be doing this type of work myself and will likely take it to a shop. My question is, since I was told the leak is very minimal is there a fix w/out actually replacing the seals, such as checking the breather to ensure its not clogged, or should I replace the seal. Thanks.

 

[Drcoffee]

Probably obvious since I don't change my oil, I won't be doing this type of work myself and will likely take it to a shop. My question is, since I was told the leak is very minimal is there a fix w/out actually replacing the seals, such as checking the breather to ensure its not clogged, or should I replace the seal. Thanks.

Since this is a tricky seal to replace and you don't have mechanical experience or tools, you should take it to a Toyota dealership. So many small independent shops have no idea how to do it correctly. As for quick fix, no. Yes check the vent but these seals are 11 years old. Replace both sides and be done with it. If one is leaking, probably both are and it's just leaking slower. The brake shoes can probably be cleaned and re-used. Now why the heck does he want to replace the sensor?? If you aren't getting an ABS light, he's trying to scam you. That is a huge red flag and you should go to another dealership.

 

[Sherwood4Runner]

My local mechanic took a swing at the job yesterday and couldn't even get the ABS and retaining rings off, so I submitted to the Dealership today in order to make sure the job got done right. They gave me the run-around, but I got my way I'm out 315 bucks for the labor, but hopefully it solves all my problems. (fingers crossed). And if not, I have 12 month/1 year warranty on parts and labor. Didn't end up reversing the retainers as it wouldn't be covered on warranty. Might do that down the road if the problem persists.

 

[Drcoffee]

Sure, I can see their point. All you needed to do was dremmel off the inner retainer with a cutoff disc and have the mechanic press on a new one. That took me all of 5 minutes a side, but since the dealership insisted on doing it their way, in a week, crawl underneath and pop out the ABS Sensor and dip something down by the ABS ring to check for lube filling the cavity. I used a pipe cleaner. If its leaking take it back.

 

[Sherwood4Runner]

I'll be doing that check for sure! Thanks for all the tips.