Need help with Tacoma rear diff seals

[Rally Taco]

It's a 97 Tacoma extended cab, 4wd, 3.4L V6, 5 speed with stock open rear diff. It appears that the seals on both sides of the rear diff are leaking. (The nice pool of gear oil in the driveway was a big clue.) Does anyone have any experiance replacing these seals ? And how hard is it ? I've been told that it requires a special press to refit the wheel bearings. I called ACC but they want close to $700 for parts and labor. That seems a bit excessive so I thought I would look into doing it myself. Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated.

Thanks
Robert

 

[BGarcia88FJ62]

Are you talking about the Pinion seal, Differential Gaskets or the Axle seals?
Pics would help a lot.
.

 

[TeddyBoy]

Are you talking about the Pinion seal, Differential Gaskets or the Axle seals?
Pics would help a lot.
.

I'm pretty sure he's referring to the axle seals. don't know much about the Tacoma axles (or anything for that matter) but apparently there is a bearing that's pressed in and must be removed to tget tot he seal(s). Then the bearing must be pressed back in during installation.

 

[Rally Taco]

I'm talking about the axle seal. It's leaking out through the rear break drums.

 

[BGarcia88FJ62]

Alrighty then, don't have any experience with a 97 tacoma but I'm kinda thinking it can't be any worse than a FJ60 rear axle. Which is not that bad of a job and not even that messy. If the bearings are still ok and my guess is their fine you just need a couple of axle seals and a Saturday and you could do this. But definatley look for some info on mud or get an exploded view from a FSM to make sure nothing special is required. Oh, and depending on time and your location heckling will be free of charge.

 

[BGarcia88FJ62]

I'm pretty sure he's referring to the axle seals. don't know much about the Tacoma axles (or anything for that matter) but apparently there is a bearing that's pressed in and must be removed to tget tot he seal(s). Then the bearing must be pressed back in during installation.

Pretty sure it's bearing then seal. Seal can be replaced without removing the bearing at least thats the way it is on an FJ60, which makes the most sense.

 

[southerntaco98]

You have a inner and outer seal. the outer you have to replace the bearings. The inner seals you pull the axels out of the tube and on the end of the tube there is a seal you pry it out wit a flat head screw driver and put the new 1 in. it MUST go in flush. I start pushin it in wit my hand when it half way in i tap it the rest the way in with a mallet. good luck hope that helps you robert.

BTW.. i think its your inner seals try them first!


zack

 

[Rally Taco]

Thanks for all the feedback. I definately need to do some more research, but sounds like it's possible to do this and save a few hundred $$$$.

A complete set of parts (inner and outer seals, and bearings, for both sides) run about $350 from Toyota. The same parts from Advance run about $150. I've had good luck with other parts from Advance, but does anyone have any thoughts or feedback on this?

I'm beginning to think the hard part will be finding that free Staurday to do this. But have no doubt that when I do, any and all hecklers will be welcome. I'll even supply the pizza and beer.

Robert

 

[TeddyBoy]

Thanks for all the feedback. I definately need to do some more research, but sounds like it's possible to do this and save a few hundred $$$$.

A complete set of parts (inner and outer seals, and bearings, for both sides) run about $350 from Toyota. The same parts from Advance run about $150. I've had good luck with other parts from Advance, but does anyone have any thoughts or feedback on this?

I'm beginning to think the hard part will be finding that free Staurday to do this. But have no doubt that when I do, any and all hecklers will be welcome. I'll even supply the pizza and beer.

Robert

I'd think Toyota would be preferred but it's a huge cost difference.

Just a thought, doesn't Ralph Toyota Toyota out of Greenville offer a 25% discount to mud members?

 

[71-CRUISER]

Thanks for all the feedback. I definately need to do some more research, but sounds like it's possible to do this and save a few hundred $$$$.

A complete set of parts (inner and outer seals, and bearings, for both sides) run about $350 from Toyota. The same parts from Advance run about $150. I've had good luck with other parts from Advance, but does anyone have any thoughts or feedback on this?

I'm beginning to think the hard part will be finding that free Staurday to do this. But have no doubt that when I do, any and all hecklers will be welcome. I'll even supply the pizza and beer.

Robert

FYI we use only OEM parts. Also if you are going to try to replace the outer Seals and Bearings make sure that you have a good press and also make sure that you get a new retainer collar because you will likely destroy the old one in the process of removing it.

By the way if you want us to just replace the inner seals we will do that for about $150.


And Ben, a mini truck is nothing like a semi float 60 rear axle.

 

[Rally Taco]

Okay, so a couple of you have suggested starting with just the inner seal. While that sounds good from an ease of relacement and a cost perspective, let me ask a silly question. If the gear oil is coming out the end of the axle into the break drum, the isn't it getting past BOTH the inner and outer seal ?

Again, thanks for all the feedback.

Robert

 

[71-CRUISER]

Yes...

 

[southerntaco98]

Yes... but it has done that to me i replaced the inners only and had no problems and i am running advance parts bearings and all with a lock rite and have no problems.