Split Seal

[OHP]

I mentioned this in my BFG Vibration thread but I wanted to post a picture of it and get some opinions. Yesterday when I was replacing my right front wheel bearing the seal on the backside of the steering knuckle, where the axel goes through, pulled out of its seat. I could not get it to reseat. Therefore I'm just going to drive it until I get time to pull the whole axel and replace the seal.

My question for all of you experts is this. What damage could be done if I drive this thing for a couple of months with the damaged seal? From looking at the picture does anyone have a suggestion as to how to get the seal to re-seat without pulling the axel?
Thanks for the help.

 

[OHP]

What's up with pictures? Can't get them to show in post. Is the new server causing issues?

 

[aha2988]

not sure about the picture issue, however, luckily I know exactly which seal your talking about..

The hub bearings themselves are sealed so your good there. The sole purpose of that spindle seal is to seal out debris from entering the wheel speed sensor \\\\"area\\\\" the CV axle seals to the spindle seal thus keeping mud, water, and dirt away from the wheel speed sensor.

Both of my spindle seals have deteriorated and failed (I have new ones just haven't taken the time to put them in yet) I haven't had any issues running without them though. If any issue may be concluded from my experience would be unbalanced braking power up front due to misreadings from the wheel speed sensors as dirt becomes collected. (it may pull left or right under heavy braking from time to time) I've been running without them for probably close to 8,000 miles now (man I'm lazy lol) I could imagine if dirt is continued to be aloud to enter the area it could possibly damage the speed sensor and or the hub bearing's inner seal.

But you will have to pull your CV axle to re seat it. It seats in from the back side where the CV axle engages into the front hub bearing. If the seal is still good just lightly tap it back in around the outer edge of the seal where it meets the spindle. if it's damaged it's best to get a new one. I found them for about 35 bucks I believe at villagetoyotaparts.com

on a side note have you installed your back up cam yet (I haven't gotten around to mine yet lol the holidays were a little busy)

 

[OHP]

on a side note have you installed your back up cam yet (I haven't gotten around to mine yet lol the holidays were a little busy)

Ha. I was going to ask you the same thing. I'm actually doing it today, along with aux reverse lights and a steering wheel remote adapter. I have decided that mounting under the spoiler is going to be a major PITA so I'm going to tuck it under the bumper close to the trailer light plug. It should be fairly protected I think. I'll post some pics when I get finished.

Thanks for the info on the seal. Good to know I can run without it for a while.