97 rear axle seals

[rrruschman]

have 97 and the rear brakes are all wet not brake fluid it smells like rear end fluid does anyone know how to change these seals any help would be grateful thanks

[Erndog1369]

It's not all that hard to change the axle seals.
1- Remove the rear wheels
2- Remove the brake drums
3- Remove the brake line from the back of the wheel cylinder
4- Remove the parking brake cable from the back of the backing plate
5- Remove the 4 nuts that hold the axle to the housing (on the backing plate area)
6- Remove the axle assembly
7- Remove the seal, and install a new seal
8- Reinstall the axle, and bleed the rear brakes
9- Replace the rear brake shoes

Good Luck!!

[Brian R.]

You may also have to detach the anti-lock brake sensor

[windigo69]

Ah yes,,the anti-lock sensor,,Very important! If you get even a spec of dust or grease on that the anti lock will activate everytime you brake..

[fourwd1]

4Runners in that time period had a problem with the rear axle seals. IIRC there was some sort of service campaign to fix the problem (excessive wear on the axle shaft at the seal). You may want to ckeck into it.

[windigo69]

I called a auto shop owner I know well and he recommended I go to one of 2 other shops as he was not equipped to do the inner seal which is the cause of leaking at wheel. Haven't seen any tips on how to replace the inner seal


1995 $Runner