Rear Axle Seal How To?

[HVLA]

My driver side rear axle seal started leaking yesterday. I have done them in a 3rd gen 4runner, but not a GX. Anyone have a link to a write up/parts list?
I plan on doing both sides since I am not a fan of replacing one of a pair of parts.
Thanks!

 

[KyleXScore]

I know this isn't a big help but I watched a YouTube that had a diy so I know they are out there. Apparently you need a special tool. Someone tried to change mine with an angle grinder. Oof. A $400 repair became a $1600 repair.

 

[HVLA]

I know this isn't a big help but I watched a YouTube that had a diy so I know they are out there. Apparently you need a special tool. Someone tried to change mine with an angle grinder. Oof. A $400 repair became a $1600 repair.

Interesting. I cant imagine needing anything special.

 

[Acrad]

Not a common failure… seemed straight forward from CL post here..but again limited reports

Help diagnosing leak at rear wheel - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - Help diagnosing leak at rear wheel - Hi All, I found the leak below on the rear passenger side wheel of my truck. Not sure if it is brake related or the rear axle seal? My diff breather doesnt appear to be blocked or clogged. The diff oil was replaced about 9,000 miles...

www.clublexus.com

 

[KyleXScore]

Interesting. I cant imagine needing anything special.

Could be a special tool you can diy. But I do know there was a special bearing press tool you needed. Search YouTube. You should be able to find it

 

[cwwfj60]

Tool is here:

Rear Axle Bearing Puller Toyota 4Runner FJ Lexus GX460/470 Tacoma | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/204507592035

You need a 20 ton HF press (or bigger) my 20 ton was struggling but got it done.

You could make this tool if your handy, but after using this tool it’s really well made for under $200, USA made too.

look up Timmy the tool man on YouTube to see the process and see if you want to tackle it.

You could also find a shop that has these tools nearby and take your shafts to them.

 

[cwwfj60]

i should say this is to replace the rear wheel bearings as well as the seal and the spacer that the seal rides on and wears a groove…

If you simply have a leak you might be able to get away with a new seal but once you tear down that far I’d go all the way and be done with it.

 

[r2m]

Will this help?
Part 1:
Part 2:

 

[KyleXScore]

Thanks guys. I decided the damage was enough that I wanted a professional to fix. It sucks. Total cost was $1600 but a toyota truck expert fixed it. I could have bought the tool and did a diy. But needing a press etc I decided this was a fix more suited for a professional. Toyotechs truck center in atlanta fixed it for me. So far I'm happy. I wish it was cheaper but what can you do?

 

[HVLA]

Will this help?
Part 1:
Part 2:

I did watch that one. I didnt end up replacing the bearing as it was in perfext condition. Replacing the seal was easy. I didnt even take the parking brake drums apart to disconnect parking brake. Just unbolted the guides for the cable from the frame and slide the axle right out and onto some cardboard and dropcloth.

 

[KyleXScore]

I did watch that one. I didnt end up replacing the bearing as it was in perfext condition. Replacing the seal was easy. I didnt even take the parking brake drums apart to disconnect parking brake. Just unbolted the guides for the cable from the frame and slide the axle right out and onto some cardboard and dropcloth.

Oh lord. I'm crying. I probably could have pulled this off but de idea to pay. Mechanics are crazy expensive these days

 

[HVLA]

Oh lord. I'm crying. I probably could have pulled this off but de idea to pay. Mechanics are crazy expensive these days

I mean I say easy, but I have a LOT of experience working on vehicles, mainly because I loved trying to figure stuff out. That and because I couldnt afford to pay someone to do it. Lol.
And it was basically the same as when I replaced the seals on my 97 4runner like 4 or 5 years ago.