Rear Axle Shafts

New guy to this site, so howdy all!
While doing a R&R on my rear axle bearings/seals, the local Toyota shops cut into the axles with a dremel. I decided to save some coin and do it myself. I used the Dr. Coffee and Timmy the Toolman method of replacing the bearings and seals, but they still leak. The only possible issue I can think of is that they're leaking through the dremel cuts in the axle shafts, so I suspect that's the issue. I've scrubbed the internet for after-market rear axle shafts. Does anyone know who makes 3rd generation axle shafts?

 

What year car? What engine? 4x4 or RWD?

Did you use Japanese seals?

Is this not the correct axle?

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...nPath=L1*45809|L2*45849|L3*16313|L4*-49999975

 

Thanks for the reply negusm. I have two 4 Runners (1997 and a 1998); both w/3.4L V6 and both 4x4. Both with the same issue--multiple repeats of rear axle leaks.
I used Toyota bearings and seals. I tried to seal up the dremel cuts with oil resistant RTV--a recommendation on a forum, but they're both leaking again. What a PITA. I've never done any extreme or even hard off-roading; the axle housings look fine, so I figure it must be the dremel cuts in the axles shafts. One of the forum posts recommended Marlin Crawler for chrome-moly upgrade from factory OEM, but they only had "cut-to-fit" in Yukon axles. Other forums say there's an issue with the ABS ring fitment with these after-market axles. I sent an email their way, but they just forwarded me to a retail outlet without answering the ABS question. Thanks for that link--for 20-bucks more, I take exact fit (length) if there's no diameter/ABS issue!!

 

That link says "ABS" applications only. I'd just get one and return it if it doesn't work.

When's the last time the diff has been drained and refilled?

Did you check the rear differential vent to make sure it's clear?

That gets plugged and it causes pressure inside which causes the seals to fail early.

I haven't had them leak on my 2002 yet...my car has never been in any water, so I can only go from what I have seen reported elsewhere.

I'm going to say though that if things are failing that quick...and you used quality seals, you need to replace those axles. Send the bill to the mechanic for being an idiot.

 

I have a question, might be stupid but what is the " Dr. Coffee and Timmy the Toolman method of replacing the bearings and seals"?
In the past I have just sent the axle out to machine shop and let them press the new seal, old brake plate, new bearing, abs ring and spacer.
And on this axle housing, there is an inner seal. Do I only need to replace that seal? Or do I need to replace it all? I have searched for more info on seals and have not had much luck.
This all started as a simple 4 wheel brake job
I plan on changing the fluid and upgrading the vent tube

thanks

Todd

 

When changing the seals in the rear axle you also have the change the 1/4" silver ring.