93 4-Runner Rear Axle Leak @ Axle-Wheel Junction

[d_smeltz60]

Hi,

I have a '93 4-Runner and there is oil leaking at the junction where the rear axle and the wheel come together on the drivers side. I pulled off the wheel and the brake drum to see if the oil had reached the brake and there is no oil on the brake. I have an estimate to replace the axle shaft seal and it will cost $200.

I have Hanes and Chilton repair manuals. The Hanes manual shows that the axleshaft complete with the brake assembly can be pulled out from the rear axle without disturbing the differential assembly after the differential is drained, brake line disconnected and brake backing plate mounting nuts removed. A rear axle adaptor and slide hammer may be needed to remove the rear axle assembly. The Chilton manual shows that the brake needs to be disassembled before the axle can be pulled. Does any one know which is the correct method for the '93 4-Runner? Also, it looks like the axle shaft oil seal and a gasket need to be replaced, are these the correct replacement parts? Is the axle shaft oil seal press fit onto the axle? Can I do this job myself?

Thanks,
Deb

[Brian R.]

From the '93 Pick-Up/4Runner manual stickied at the top of this forum:

[Brian R.]

[Brian R.]

[Brian R.]

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by d_smeltz60

The Hanes manual shows that the axleshaft complete with the brake assembly can be pulled out from the rear axle without disturbing the differential assembly after the differential is drained, brake line disconnected and brake backing plate mounting nuts removed. A rear axle adaptor and slide hammer may be needed to remove the rear axle assembly. The Chilton manual shows that the brake needs to be disassembled before the axle can be pulled. Does any one know which is the correct method for the '93 4-Runner?

Brake assembly is removed without dissassembly (see above).

Originally Posted by d_smeltz60

Also, it looks like the axle shaft oil seal and a gasket need to be replaced, are these the correct replacement parts?

You need inner and outer oil seals, a snap ring, and a backing plate O-ring. Remember to bleed the brakes (brake fluid). Also, don't breath the brake dust. Disturb it as little as possible. Don't blow on the brakes. If you want to clean out the brakes, take the shoes off and spray the area (not the shoes) with brake cleaner. Regrease the pivot points and the adjuster.

Originally Posted by d_smeltz60

Is the axle shaft oil seal press fit onto the axle? Can I do this job myself?

The oil seals are press-fit, but you can drive them in with a large socket or a piece of pipe (smooth flat edge), and a hammer. You should bring the bearing, axle and backing plate to a machine shop (Pep Boys?) to have them press them together.

[d_smeltz60]

Brian,

Thanks for all of the schematic drawings, the procedure and the list of parts that will be needed. It was much easier to understand viewing the schematics you sent. What manual did your schematics come from and where can I get a copy of that manual?

I will let you know how things turn out.

Thanks,
Deb

[Brian R.]

Here's the sticky post containing the manuals:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=510646

Manual for your truck:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/

Download it and print whatever you want. Keep it handy...

[fourwd1]

It sounds like the inner axle seal, and is easy to do.
You don't need to do all the stuff in the pics above.

After the truck is on jack stands and the wheel removed:
1. drain diff
2. disconnect and pinch off brake line and parking brake cable.
3. remove the 4 bolts on the back that hold the axle shaft on the housing
4. pull out the axle shaft/brake assy out
5. pull out the seal and replace
6. reassemble in reverse order.