Leak front axle

Ok, so some of you know I have had some troubles with my axles. Well put new ones in and developed a slight leak where the right one goes into the diff. Had the seal backwards, or so I thought, because it was opposite of the left one and the left one wasnt leaking. So I pulled the axle and swapped the seal. Well it fixed it for a while and now it is leaking. Does anyone know what that seal is called? I think I found it and I think its called a Output Shaft Seal, is that right? http://www.toyotapartsales.com/part...2060&callout=6&catalogid=1&displayCatalogid=0

 

Also just noticed the Title should say "Leaking front axle"

 

Bumpo

 

I had the same problem. It's called an output shaft seal. Replaced it with a Toyota one and hasn't leaked since. The way they need to go into the housing is the cup side facing into the housing and the flat (for the most part) side facing out. Are you having a leak around the outer diameter of the seal or the inner diameter?

 

I think that is how mine are, and it is leaking from the inside. Maybe I dont have it in right. Is the flat side supposed to be flush with the diff or with the half shaft?

 

Also, why is the left side more expensive than the right? They seemed the same to me when we put them on

 

The flat side should be some what flush with the housing. If the oil is seeping out from the inner hole then either the seal is damaged or the diameter of the inner hole is too big. When you get the new seal test fit the seal onto the CV shaft. It should be pretty snug. Also, check the shaft for any damage.

I'm not sure why the seals would be different in price. I've only had to replace the passenger's side. I don't see why the seal would be different on the driver's side.

 

Im gonna go take a pic and tell me if its right. Relentlesstaco's were opposite of mine so thats why I figured I had them wrong but the way you describe makes it sound like they are right

 

Here is a pic of it, the diff is on the left

 

The metal ring is on the wrong way. The flat part should be facing towards the diff housing. The output shaft seal you won't see unless you take the CV out. Because of that ring it looks like you CV shaft isn't going in all the way and causing the leak.

 

Thats what I though. I hate taking that thing apart. Oh well, gotta do what you gotta do. I am really surprised I havent had any leaks with the drivers side since its wrong too. Thanks for the help man.

 

It should look like this



Not the greatest picture but my Bud skids are in the way to take a straight on photo.

This is a pinion seal but it's pretty much the same thing as the output shaft CV seal.

This is how the seal should be installed.

 

Thanks man. Thats how I thought it should be. I dont think it was flush when it first started leaking. Did you put the seal on the CV before you slid it into the diff or onto the diff then slid the CV in?

 

The metal ring I believe is on the CV. The oil seal needs to go into the diff housing prior to putting the CV shaft in. You have to pound the seal in. Just make sure you don't damage it while you pound it in.

 

Oil seal? I dont think I noticed that.

 

The output shaft seal (fancy term) is an oil seal (general term). The purpose of it is to keep the oil in the diff. The second picture I have above, is the seal (just not from an 05+ Tacoma, you're should be black with a rubber coating if you buy it from Toyota). The metal ring that you are talking about is not the output shaft seal. The purpose that ring is to keep dirt out of the output shaft (oil) seal.

 

Oh ok, any idea what the little ring is called?

 

I'm not sure what it's called. I only know what it's called for a pinion shaft. It's a companion flange. I don't think it's the same for output shaft though. You could try dust shield.

 

Alright, thanks. I'll swing by the dealer and see what they have to say. Thanks again.

 

I went to the dealer and got the seals and got them replaced today. Also got the dust covers put on the right way. Everything looks a lot better.