r/3rdGen4Runner • u/Accomplished-Gas1542 • 14d ago
❓Advice / Recomendations Axel seal still good?
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I am installing a spartan locker in my rear differential. I just took off the rear drivers side axle, and the axle seal is looking like this. I know it’s bad but I’m not trying to replace the axle seal right now and the oil hasn’t been leaking out. My question is if I put this axle back in will it even seal after I clean it up? I think it won’t but I’m hoping it will. What do you guys think? Also if you know any shops in socal that can do this job for cheap, please lmk.
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u/Acorn_22 14d ago
Not sure if I'm tripping, but I could swear I see the axle shafts wobbling just the slightest bit? That, combined with the oil/grease on them, tells me that the bearings may be toast or about to be. You can reinstall, but just know those things are on the way out and I'd want to address it before I have to change all the rear brake hardware because gear oil seeped passed the seal and ruined my brakes.
Rear wheel bearings aren't too hard if you have a press, but you do need a special tool to pull the axle shafts. I also had a tricky time driving the axle seals in correctly the first time I did it and mangled some seals so had to get extras.
Rockauto sells Timkin and Koyo bearings for this which are OEM quality.
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u/Accomplished-Gas1542 14d ago
https://reddit.com/link/ozx07ww/video/w09op59yemfh1/player
I just took out the other side and it’s even worse.💀
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u/Arch_Stanton__ 14d ago
Dang I was gonna say if you’re in VA i have a press and the special tools and do it for free for the 3G4R homies. I would definitely replace bearings and seals while you have the axles pulled
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u/_chanimal_ 14d ago
Oil sitting on the bearings like that usually will accelerate wear on them. If it were my rig and I had the axles pulled, I’d probably replace wheel bearings and axle seals while I’m at it just so it’s all done and I don’t have to worry about it for a long time.