2008 Tacoma Rear Axle Seal

Last year my right rear axle started leaking, not too bad but it’s all over my drum brakes, got new brakes but need to fix the leak before I install them. Can anyone link me to a video? As well as the parts diagram for this as I am nervous about doing this. Thanks a lot

 

It's messy, but completely straight forward.

1. Drain Diff Fluid.
2. Remove Drum brakes.
3. Disconnect the brake line from the backing plate. - Important - Cap the line. Other wise you will drain the brake fluid. Bleeding the brakes will be a nightmare if air gets in the ABS module.
4. (optional. I always do) - Remove wheel speed sensor
5. Remove E-Brake line from backing plate with 2 bolts.
6. Remove 4 nuts holding axle in.
7. Pull the Axle out.
8. Replace seal
9. Replace axle
10. Torque the 4 nuts to 27 ft/lbs (I use blue LocTite. It makes me feel better)
11. Install E-brake line
12. Install Speed Sensor.
13. Install brake shoes.
14. Bleed brakes

15. REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL BREATHER. (This is usually the cause of blown seals)

 

Yes, the FSM says 27 ft/lbs. Which seems "low" to me.
Did I torque them?.....Nope.
I used a wrench and "got them tight".

Anyways. To be accurate here is the FSM snippet.

 

Here is the torque specs.
Like I say, I didn't torque any of it.

But you "should"

 

So the issue with Tacoma rear axle seal blow outs, is the bearing is supposed to be dry, gets coated in oil.

So you replace the seal, brakes, and drum, then drive away. It instantly slings oil on the new brakes, and you're back to square one.

The correct fix is remove axle, replace bearing, replace axle seal, replace brakes.

You can replace just the seal, but understand it will still look like its leaking for a long time.

Also, it is critical to check the diff breather, its usually the cause.

 

The worst part is cleaning all the gear oil off the drum backing plate.