96 4-Runner axle seals

I have a 96 4-Runner and the deal has eplaced the left rear wheel axle seal three times now. The seal lasts about 16,000 and then leaks. The dealer has replaced the bearings and axle shaft but it still leaks. The dealer is not very technical because I have not seen them using Dial Indicators to measure anything. Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this? Thanks....

Check the diff breather. It's a little cylinder shaped nozzle that sits on top of the rear diff. The breather allows the diff to release hot gases. If it's blocked up there is chance the gases could blow out your rear seals.
~Ace

Did you ever get the rear axle seal fixed? I am having the same problem with my 96 4runner.
Thanks,


I have a 96 4-Runner and the deal has eplaced the left rear wheel axle seal three times now. The seal lasts about 16,000 and then leaks. The dealer has replaced the bearings and axle shaft but it still leaks. The dealer is not very technical because I have not seen them using Dial Indicators to measure anything. Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this? Thanks....

I doubt either of these guys will see this thread. The breather may well be the cause of the problem.

Another possiblity (since the original poster won't see this) is that the dealer didn't replace both oil seals, only the one that wasn't leaking. There is an outer seal in the backing plate and there is an inner seal in the differential housing.

I never was able to get Toyota to fix the seal so I sold the 4runner and bought a 2003 Tacoma.

"bought a 2003 Tacoma"
Isn't that basically the same vehicle?

I'm having my third set of seals put on this weekend. I bought it from a dealer with less than 40k miles in 2000. I had the seals replaced in 2001. Again in 2003 and again this weekend. The first set was covered under the Certified Toyota/Toyota care, but I had to fight with them to pay for the brakes. I paid for the second set and the third is covered because I had them replaced less than a year ago. It costs about $1000 to get them replaced so I think I'll have the whole breather system replaced if that is possible.

I'm also having problems with axle seals. On both sides have been replaced multiple times. Most recently the right side 4th or 5th time i've lost count. It's only been 7 weeks since they were done. Can't wait to hear what the dealer has to say this time.

Mark

Same deal for me, I've been doing the job myself and cannot get it to stop leaking. Seals (both), bearings...did it all. The blasted thing will not stop leaking. Left side only...
Any ideas anyone?

Greg