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Where to find tools to fix seals and bearings?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by SaintClutch, Nov 12, 2020.

  1. Nov 12, 2020 at 12:03 AM
    #1
    SaintClutch

    SaintClutch [OP] New Member

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    Hey y’all my name is Erik, this is my first time on this forum and I don’t really know much about it. A few months back in the summer I met a guy with a beautiful orange FJ at the El Dorado State Park and he told me about you guys and that you guys are super knowledgeable so I’ve come seekin knowledge. My 97 4x4 runner has a leak on both wheel seals in the rear diff and the brakes are going out back there too. It would be pointless to change the brakes without fixing the seals and the bearings. The leak has gotten pretty bad to the point where it’s not ideal to drive and it’s my only vehicle. I have looked around to see what it would cost to have the job done in a shop and their price tag is higher than what I paid for my green baby. So I looked into doing the job myself and I can do the work I just don’t have the tools for example the press to remove the bearings and retainers and she’s rusty under there so I’m concerned about snapping bolts. Does anyone know if I can rent that kind of tool or the best location to get the parts for this or even if someone can recommend a different way to approach this I’m all ears. Please help me get out of this Kia Soul that my cousin let me borrow. Thank you for reading.
     
  2. Nov 12, 2020 at 2:05 AM
    #2
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

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    RevTek 3" front- 2" rear leveling, JBA uca's, LED interior lights, Cooper 275-70-17 AT3 LT
    Welcome from Wisconsin! You could check with parts stores. Some of them rent tools out. The 2 that come to mind are Oreilly's and Auto Zone. If they don't have the tools, they check with other stores to get the tools you might need, our local parts stores do this. (Advanced Auto+ Oreilly's)
     
  3. Nov 12, 2020 at 4:23 AM
    #3
    movienator

    movienator New Member

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    While you looking for tools, get under there and spray rust penetrant on those bolts and nuts to start soaking them, so when you are ready, it should make the work go a little easer and reduce the likely hood of you snapping the.
     
  4. Nov 12, 2020 at 7:40 AM
    #4
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    So there are some great Youtube videos on doing the rear seals and bearings. Look up "Timmy" 4Runner videos on youtube. I am subscribed to him. His videos are like 3rd Gens for Dummies. And I'm a big dummy. I'd probably go have a shop press the bearings on/off and do the rest myself.
     
  5. Nov 17, 2020 at 9:25 AM
    #5
    SaintClutch

    SaintClutch [OP] New Member

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    1997 sun bleached and salty 4runner
    Awesome guys thank you I will try and let it soak for a few days, I really appreciate it.
     

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