So...rear axle seal leak on driver side! (07 V8)

[thenuka]

Hi all,

Major fan of the forum, being looking at all of your fancy builds.

I got the truck used in April 2014, got the timing belt, and all fluids changed then. It was running quite well until a month ago. Noticed a lack of breaking or double breaking when coming to a stop. Upon further investigation, we saw leaked fluid by the rear driver side brakes. It wasn't sprayed all around so I was hopeful it's a brake leak.

Took it to the mechanic and was told I am wrong. It is the infamous axle leak! I thought this was only for 3rd gens but I guess s**t happens...they are recommending to replace just the seal and leaving it up to me to replace both seals or just one. These guys are reputable and have two former Toyota master techs so I trust them.

Questions I'd like help with
- what could've caused it? They checked the breather and it's not blocked.
- replace both rear seals or just one? 2 hr vs 4.5 hr job.
- why aren't they replacing the bearings? They mentioned just replacing the seals would be sufficient
- replace brake pads as well or can I just wash off the oil with a solvent?

Thanks a bunch everyone!

 

[nevada]

Hi all,

Major fan of the forum, being looking at all of your fancy builds.

I got the truck used in April 2014, got the timing belt, and all fluids changed then. It was running quite well until a month ago. Noticed a lack of breaking or double breaking when coming to a stop. Upon further investigation, we saw leaked fluid by the rear driver side brakes. It wasn't sprayed all around so I was hopeful it's a brake leak.

Took it to the mechanic and was told I am wrong. It is the infamous axle leak! I thought this was only for 3rd gens but I guess s**t happens...they are recommending to replace just the seal and leaving it up to me to replace both seals or just one. These guys are reputable and have two former Toyota master techs so I trust them.

Questions I'd like help with
- what could've caused it? They checked the breather and it's not blocked.
- replace both rear seals or just one? 2 hr vs 4.5 hr job.
- why aren't they replacing the bearings? They mentioned just replacing the seals would be sufficient
- replace brake pads as well or can I just wash off the oil with a solvent?

Thanks a bunch everyone!

I believe it uses a sealed bearing, much like a front wheel bearing. the seal is separate, and mounts in the housing.

as to why its leaking.. parts fail. it may just be a bad seal.
I would have the bearing inspected closely, if its bad, that could take out a seal also.

as far as to do both sides or not, that's totally up to you, as they are completely independent from each other. if the other side is tight, and not leaking, you might be able to hold off on replacing it for now.

 

[thenuka]

Thanks. I talked to the tech and he suspects the seal has failed by itself and suggested doing both sides as they might have similar end of life.

But you make a good point, I didn't know they were independent. I thought they both see the same pressure, and one would be a weak link if only one side was replaced. Was this a change for our runners?

My dad's worried about the bearing as well but the tech was against changing the bearing. He said it's in good condition and the leak is very minor.. (not spraying all around the wheel). I will get him to check it again during the seal change.

 

[thenuka]

Just a closeout. Decided to do just one side seal and clean up the brakes since it was a small leak. They found that the seal has parted in half so could be a material failure.

Thanks Nevada!