Replacing CV Axles, Found Rust; Should I Be Concerned?

[AnotherCO4Runner]

Hello and Happy New Year!!

I decided to celebrate the new year by replacing my CV Axles, Steering Rack, Coilovers and a few other loose ends. With the help of many posts I am feeling great about the project, which I started last night.

This is my first time messing with the axles on this vehicle (2001 SR5). I started with the driver's side and everything looked perfect; so shiny! The passenger side however, so much rust!!

I didn't notice any issues with the wheel bearing while driving. My question - how concerning is that amount of rust? What should my next steps be? (I already will be visiting the local dealership for some parts today...

pics attached

 

[rdruss]

My initial thoughts are you had a bad "seal" on your dust cap. It doesn't really have a seal, but maybe yours was compromised somewhat and didn't seal as well as they normally do (other side). I don't think you should worry, how did the axle look when you removed it? Maybe put a thin coat of RTV around dust cap lip when you reinstall.

 

[Thatgoodfellow]

I second what Rdruss said, shouldn’t be a big deal. You could hit it with a wire brush to clean some of that corrosion off.

 

[Malcolm99]

if water got passed the nut for the axle ya its a problem, you will be able to see if there is rust inside the bearing once the axle is out.

 

[AnotherCO4Runner]

My initial thoughts are you had a bad "seal" on your dust cap. It doesn't really have a seal, but maybe yours was compromised somewhat and didn't seal as well as they normally do (other side). I don't think you should worry, how did the axle look when you removed it? Maybe put a thin coat of RTV around dust cap lip when you reinstall.

Axle looked alright, and the bearings/seal on the knuckle were shiny and all good. I took advice and RTVed the cap when I replaced. I think all is good. Will find out!

Thanks for the help.