Front Axle Leak

So obviously this is a front axle leak, but what component is most likely leaking? This is on the driver's side. This is a 99 Taco with 4x4 and a 5 spd

 

Seal, found in my sig

/thread

 

Could be leaking from your PS lines as well. Dripping toward to the clamshell. The ps line are within that vicinity. Something worth checking

 

Smell it. Gear oil smell... unmistakable

 

Is the seal easy to replace and do you know if anyone has made a video about it?

 

Easy.

Just pull off your wheel, pull off a few bolts (I do it at the lower ball joint), pull off your 35mm bolt (if ADD), or manual hub assembly (if manual hub).

Swing out your spindle, pull out your cv axle, and you'll be faced with the cv axle seal.

 

Passenger Side Front Differential Oil Seal 90311-47013
Driver Side Front Differential Oil Seal 90311-47027

Consider this to really make it a no brainer
https://absolute-wits-end.com/toyota-4wd-ifs-output-shaft-seal-driver/ (you'll need a handle https://absolute-wits-end.com/overdrive-seal-tool-handle/)
or if you want the extension handle, see this link -
https://absolute-wits-end.com/extended-handles-for-seal-drive-tools-18/
He reviews it here

One more point, if you haven't already done it - cosider this:
https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-1...amshell-bushingeliminates-needle-bearing.html

https://youtu.be/mh1BK5--KrU

 

Looks like what everyone is saying, but I would clean the area to verify. Even if it's great oil, could be coming from the breather.

 

Good point!

 

A stuck breather can also cause or contribute to an oil leak at the seals. Make sure yours is free to open.

 

One of their videos says the ARB locker eliminates the need for that, I wonder if it's the same for the Eaton E-locker. I'll have to check when I reboot my month-old OEM axle

 

The seal is easy to do but it is very finicky on how far in it has to go (evenly all around) or it will continue to leak. I had to redo mine 3 times before I got it seated in there just right at just the right depth. A seal driver kit is your friend, pull the coilover out so you have more room to go at the seal straight on. At least that's what finally worked for me.

The video linked above should have all the details about how far in it has to go. I don't think he removes the coilover but I couldn't hammer it in evenly unless I pulled mine out.

 

There's this tool which makes it much easier, drives the seal in just as far as it needs to go. I picked one up for the next time I have to do the seals.

https://absolute-wits-end.com/toyota-4wd-ifs-output-shaft-seal-driver/

*have to buy the handle separately, I had one from my generic seal driver kit that fit.

 

This one...
https://absolute-wits-end.com/extended-handles-for-seal-drive-tools-18/

 

Woo that's spendy haha. The non extended will work too but that extra length would probably come in handy

https://absolute-wits-end.com/overdrive-seal-tool-handle/

 

For those installing with the diff on the truck, absolutely. Fortunately for me, diff is on the work bench. lol. Still ordered their tool though.

 

Extended handle not needed even if the diff is on the truck, would probably get in the way really unless you pull off the coilover like Ryan did.

 

Would it still get in the way? I haven't done the job so can't speak from experience. Just going off Tim's feedback on the extension - (vid below starts at relevant section)

https://youtu.be/Q-RO52NtP1A?t=1145

 

I hadn't bought the tool yet but Ryan and I used a similar-length PVC pipe to drive the seal.

It wasn't hard to tap, just awkward but we were still able to get some leverage.

When I got my tool, I finally used it to replace the cv axle seal on the 4R when I was getting rid of it.

 

Yeah now that I look at it closer, that extension does not come with the driver itself. Like Ryan said, EXPENSIVE. Really too bad he doesn't bundle a handle with it.

So it's:
https://absolute-wits-end.com/toyota-4wd-ifs-output-shaft-seal-driver/ (driver)

+

https://absolute-wits-end.com/overdrive-seal-tool-handle/ or,

https://absolute-wits-end.com/extended-handles-for-seal-drive-tools-18/

or if you are working on a budget, there is this handle which may fit (cannot confirm since I don't have it)

$13 Lisle 12660 Bearing Race Seal Driver Handle

https://smile.amazon.com/Lisle-12660-Bearing-Driver-Handle/dp/B000P0XMN2/