how far should i put axle seal in???

So many of you probably know I have been having problems with the front diff leaking on the pass side. On my 01 Tacoma it has like a groove where the axle seal should stop? Well I was reading and it says not to put the seal in that far??? Is this true how far should i put the seal in? I have put two seals in and they are still leaking....Thank you

 

Sub'd! where did you get the seals I will be replacing some soon

 

Is the seal leaking on the housing side or the seal side?
If there is a groove on the axle from the old seal, the new one won't work. You'll either need a new axle or have the old one sleeved. Lube the seal during installation and protect the seal by putting a thin sheet of mylar on the axle's sharp points.
If the housing side of the seal is leaking, you need to make sure there are no imperfections or crud on either the seal or housing before putting in the new seal. They go into the housing dry and flush with the edge of the housing.

 

I put mine in worng the first time so it started leaking shortly after.

This time I put the seal on the axle and then popped the axle in, worked great so far. That is how I will do it for now on.

 

G Scott i got them at my toyota dealer...

There is like a grove on the diff part like that extension part that comes from the pumpkin itself. but i pounded the seal in till it wouldnt go any further?? dont know if i put it in too far? i am going to put a new seal on tomorrow but i am going to try to pound it in with a piece of 2x4 (block)... or put it on the axle also! so should i keep it flush with the housing vs putting it all the way in till it doesnt go anymore? what do you guys suggest

 

So should the piece of pvc fit right around the rim of the seal like the copper piece?

 

haha ok.... so i read how to far to put it in... i am assuming that the seal should be flush correct? with the diff housing.

 

oh ok... sounds good. so i should tap it in and messure then with a set of calipers

 

haha that'll work. i just tore it all apart but they sold me the driver side seal so it was too small... so i will have to wait till tomorrow to get the right one... so when i put the pvc pipe do i just go clock wise tapping it in with a hammer?

 

my way is easiest

 

Why is that? The seal seated itself when the axle went in. So you know it didnt go in to far. I dont see a problem with it but perhaps you can prove me wrong. I know of other people who do it that way and they dont have any problems either. It has worked for 2k miles....

 

One last question for you bud... Should i get a long piece of pvc pipe or a short one?

 

I understand, when my next one goes bad, and I have time, I will do it this way.