Hello Scotty....
First time writing, long time viewer.
I have a persistent problem with my 1998 4Runner SR5, 3.4L 6 Cly, 2WD, 65,000 original miles (I live where I can walk or bike to just about anywhere).
Original owner who is very happy with this vehicle, but I can't seem to get a handle on this one problem. It occurred for the first time several years ago on a road trip. I was 5 hrs out returning home when I stopped for gas and noticed that my left rear well had grease slung all inside. I knew what it was but had 5 hrs to go until I got home.
I ordered the parts and used a friends press to remove and install new components. (I've been working on cars since I was 10 and have 4 yrs exp as mech on B-52's and also hold an A&P certificate, so I am familiar with maint.). This "fix" last a few years and then it happened again. This time I was not able to do the repair on my own so I had the only Toyota dealership here in Mexico perform the change. Again, this lasted @ 5 years. Now it has occurred once again. I am thinking that the chances of a bad install or bad parts are scarce, so the only thing I might think of is a bad left axle or housing? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
BTW..I lived on and off in Houston for @ 8 years and my family still resides there so I know the city well. I do not live there now but if you have any recommendations on who can work on or look this problem over that would be great. I currently reside in Mexico and on occasion drive back to Houston.
Thank you for your time, love your vids and enjoy Tenn.
William
They actually it's very common problem unfortunately the actual axle shafts tend to wear on those and you take my part and put it together with new seals they just eventually sometimes years later start leaking again I need to have to replace the whole assembly bearing axle shaft seals everything
Assuming the rear end housing isn't so ever slightly bent and putting the axle on a bind...Take the axle with a new seal and bearing to a machine shop.
They can build (weld and turn to size and polish on a lathe) up the bearing and seal surface to spec and probably never have the problem again.
You might be able to get what is called a "speedi sleeve" that friction fits on the shaft and gives the correct size.
Personally I'd do the machine shop fix.
I had a problem with the rear seals on my '81 Toy 4x4 until I purchased new, heavy duty bearings and new seals and installed them. Any slop in the bearing from overloading or just using cheap bearings will blow the seals pretty quickly.
