Rear Axle Rebuild + Seal Replacement - 3rd Gen Toyota 4runner

► Buy me a coffee if I helped you with this video! www.buymeacoff...
In this video, I rebuild my rear axle and change out the axle seals. I got myself the chinese knockoff tool and a Marlin rebuild kit to keep this affordable. I did end up having problems with the tool but I got through it just fine. I don't suggest the copy cat as you'll end up spending more than the original tool (see my link). The video is done on my ABS axle but can be used for non-ABS axles also.
I used information documented by Timmy the toolman's video for many things and changed up just a few things for simplicity and efficiency and also sped up many parts of the video so you just get the important stuff. I also chose to RTV my axle seal to ensure no leaks. Make sure you check his video out also as this video has a lot of great information:
• Toyota Rear Axle Seal/...
Also take a read on the T4R thread that discusses everything about this video. (Dr Coffee flipped retainer method documented here as well): www.toyota-4ru...
Parts Used:
2x Marlin Rebuild Kit MCAX-241 - www.marlincraw...
Optional Parts:
2x Extra Retainer Rings (Optional) - 42423-20010 ebay.us/bSf6Lq
2x OEM Rear Axle Seal (Optional) - 90310-50006 ebay.us/DtKRGq
Other Items Needed:
Dot 3/4 Synthetic Brake Fluid amzn.to/3rxN8b5
80w-90 Gear Oil (3 quarts if you want to change it all) amzn.to/46UickT
Tools:
3/8 Ratchet (electric helps) amzn.to/3sgm0ha
10mm/14mm shallow/deep socket
10mm Flare / Open Wrench amzn.to/3QAhXpg
7/32” Vacuum Cap (plug brake line) amzn.to/3s1a03i
Various flat head screwdrivers
Basic
Pliers
Snap Ring Pliers amzn.to/303fNEZ
5/8” Socket / Wrench (for special tool)
Oil catch pan amzn.to/45VJgim
4mm (or 3mm/5mm) allen key for measuring
Sharpie (grease test)
Brass Punch amzn.to/46Ui4BV
Hammer
Toyota FIPG (optional)
Wheel Bearing Grease
Brake Cleaner / Rags
1/2” and 3/8” Torque Wrench
Jack / Lug Nut Removal
Special Tools:
Custom Toyota Puller (Made in USA) ebay.us/CeY8pz
Seal Driver Installer amzn.to/3tPxSHw
OTC Slide Hammer (can rent this) amzn.to/3Mkr9Mf
China Puller Tool (if you insist...) ebay.us/yXIlRY
Torque Specs:
Axle Nuts (14mm) 48 ft/lb
Lug Nuts 85-90 ft/lb
Music I used: "Dreams" by Bensound.com
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. I assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. I recommend safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not me. Enjoy my videos.
As an Amazon/ebay Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This cost you nothing and helps support my channel! Thanks

[@PhoRunner]

Make sure you check out Timmy's video on this! Seems my source info came also from that video! Giving credit to the legend! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iF7GY6tpe513i5Y

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Minh. I really appreciate it! You obviously possess integrity and give credit where it is due. You did finally notice the mention the Adventure Taco guy gave my channel in his write-up. But, it's pretty convenient why he didn't also link my video. He doesn't want to divert attention from his write-up and to my channel. He wants them to stay right there and use his write-up and his payable Amazon and Ebay links, so he makes money. I pretty much think his primary motivation is making money and that's why he's comfortable ripping off other people's content because he lacks integrity. His write-up is pretty much a 95-100% copy of my work. There's not much additional he offers to the subject matter other than he puts it into a write-up format. Unfortunately, this is how the internet works and people are free to ripoff other people's work. Sort of like how Duane's intellectual property was stolen when someone sent his toolset over to China to be copied and then sold as competition to the products he created here in the U.S. I've NEVER blatantly copied someone else's work, and passed it off as my own. My primary motivator to do what I do is first and foremost to help people. The money I make is a fringe benefit.

[@PhoRunner]

The Chinese copy cat is trash lol. My video talks about that non sense. I learned my lesson…

[@gbrianmullinax8448]

I just want to say that the two of y'all are always my first go to guys. @@PhoRunner

[@joesant1943]

I got both sides done (put everything new including the ball bearings) and the drivers side keeps leaking, what could it be?

[@PhoRunner]

@@joesant1943did you push the retainer in too deep?

[@bajar.m.6953]

If you don’t want to deal with differential oil you can rise the wheel you working only that way oil will pile up on the opposite side. Job well done

[@PhoRunner]

Yes. I did that at the end when I used the fipg but that’s useful in disassembly too haha

[@nono77291]

Don’t have a 4Runner but the time and knowledge your give is priceless. Thanks you

[@PhoRunner]

No problem

[@MarfeeWarfee]

Good call on the slide hammer. The first time I did this before knowing any better I caught a pry bar to the forehead.

[@Gowaduv]

Call Marlin Crawler before ordering the bearing kit. I ordered online and it took 4 days for them to tell me they have zero in stock. 1AAuto has the bearing and seals but the kit doesn't have the c-clip or o-ring. Great video. I appreciate Timmy's longer version but this is great as a review of the steps

[@chrisryanbeltran]

Great outcome for a rear axle bearing/seals rebuild. My rear passenger is leaking and already ordered the parts needed and probably do it on my own, instead of paying someone $500 to do it for me. I am planning on selling my '02 next year for another SUV(GX460). Thanks!

[@PhoRunner]

The rebuild kit makes things affordable. The special tooling downs though! Think I’d pay someone again if I had to source oem parts and pricing.

[@bajar.m.6953]

Also to drive the ABS and collar you can used a 1 7/8 galvanized pipe, just 🎉measure the axle diameter to make sure, it’s worked flawlessly for me. Nice job

[@PhoRunner]

You sure can but given I already got the tool… it made sense to use it. The pipe does make it easy to pound in though. I actually was gonna show that but decided on precision instead

[@wyomikey65]

Yup, there are many videos and everybody has their own technique.

[@richarddiaz8248]

Hi great video with all that other stuff that other guy had straight to the point, but I have one question where did you get that pipe pipe because I did buy the Chinese tool

[@PhoRunner]

Which pipe?

[@richarddiaz8248]

@@PhoRunner the extra cup you used to improvise

[@richarddiaz8248]

Thank you

[@PhoRunner]

It’s a press kit that came with that sleeve. Not sure it was needed though.

[@takeshi1242]

The right tool makes the job so much easier!

[@ttvills]

Nice and well explained video, I just purchased an OEM rear bearing for my 06 tundra, and as I was watching your vid, you mention that toyota discontinued the bearing for your truck; so I went and check my bearing and it is a Nachi bearing being sold as an OEM part by toyota now.

[@PhoRunner]

Nice! I had a feeling they used nachi and koyo for oem supplier. Everything’s been solid since the repair for me.

[@Rebdamas]

Thank you for this video. Very informative and helpful! Hope you continue to keep making quality how-to videos. Timmy’s videos are a great help as well!

[@Averkie_Skila]

Great, thorough explanation. Thank you! 🎉

[@PhoRunner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@r.arabian3056]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you!

[@PhoRunner]

You're very welcome!

[@wyomikey65]

Very well done video. Im doing this job on my 05 Tundra. I bought the tool, but I haven't received it yet. If it is the Chinese one, I'll hope it fits or like you , i'll just improvise. I always find a way. 😊

[@edwinmedina4338]

I'm thinking about replacing the entire Axle Shaft assembly on both sides as I already replaced the front end from Rack and pinion up the everything else in there. In and out when I do a drain and fill on my diff! Truck has 285 so I think it might be worth it but I'll definitely keep my original shafts just in case

[@jamieturnbull3814]

Nice work. Great explanation along the way.

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@1st67mustang390]

Love me some Pho...just discovered your channel. You seem to do good work sir. Just subbed. Thanks for the content

[@wbordogn]

Dude I can't believe I came across this video! Hope you're doing well

[@robertmcclure184]

Great video and thanks for you time and making a very comprehensive video!!

[@DAEZJON]

just what i need to do next.

[@PhoRunner]

Not too bad with the right tools and some muscles

[@andreitobosaru7287]

Hi mate, you should be a surgeon, very clean work. So i followed every step, its all good, except the fact that its a slight ( perhaps 3mm) movment between the bearing and the hub up and down. its it posible that i didnt press enough the beairg ? aldo the C click was perfectly aligned. much apreciated any answer

[@trailbosspapi4066]

Perfect video definitely helped me a lot

[@PhoRunner]

No problem

[@javierr1blue]

excellent video as always !!

[@PhoRunner]

Glad you liked it!

[@benhaskins6536]

Did I see your 4runner around Cincinnati this weekend?

[@PhoRunner]

Nope I’m in Cali!

[@carlloveless5319]

I'm in cincy and mine looks pretty damn similar and yes I'm here cuz I need rear wheel bearings lol

[@sirridok]

Thanks again brother! Tight work!

[@cbdreamer1709]

Much respect. On this one.

[@WallDiver7]

Is it necessary to remove the ABS sensor? Just planning to replace a known BAD seal.

[@PhoRunner]

If changing Seal only, not required.

[@riaan6421]

Great video. Thanks.

[@PhoRunner]

You are welcome!

[@jacobtaase3]

Can you do this job without a press? I'm planning on doing this myself but don't have a press...

[@PhoRunner]

I would get a press to make this diy friendly. Grinder and a 2” pipe can do the job but not recommended

[@Matt-ji2sy]

Good video. FYI - your link the the Marlin Crawler rebuild kit is broken. :)

[@PhoRunner]

Bummer! Let me see if they updated something…

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks for the heads up. I updated it and here it is also. Looks like they redid their website. www.marlincrawler.com/product/rear-axle-service-kit-1979-99-pickup-4runner-tacoma

[@Matt-ji2sy]

@@PhoRunnerI figured they moved some things around. :). Thanks for the update. That is a really good deal on that kit, compared to sourcing all the parts via Toyota. Thank you!

[@PhoRunner]

@Matt-ji2sy it sure is. It was on sale a few times for cheaper too!

[@Matt-ji2sy]

Yeah! By the way, I just noticed the link to the eBay seller for your OEM "Rear" Axle Seals is also pointing to a "front" seal for some reason. :).

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I'm kinda curious Minh, did you mention my channel as a reference in the video? I don't feel like watching the whole thing because I've done 3 videos on this subject and I also have done the job around 15 times, so I don't feel like watching what I already know very well. I did watch the intro and final thoughts where it would be logical to mention a reference you relied on, but I didn't hear you mention us. I looked at your video description and my channel is not mentioned there. The reason why I ask is because I know there's a very HIGH probability you've watched my videos to learn how to do this job. There's some dead give-aways you have used my videos, like using a 7/32" vacuum cap for the brake line, and using an allen wrench to measure for the proper depth of the inner retainer. Before Sean and I did this job for the first time 6 years ago, nobody else had documented the job like we did. We were also the first ones to put Duane's axle toolset on the map and we helped him design the installation tool to drive in the inner retainer and ABS tone ring. So, if you used our videos as a reference, I'd appreciate some credit for it, by mentioning my channel in the video description and providing links to the videos you used of ours. If I'm wrong and you never watched my videos on this subject, then you owe me nothing. I'm not perfect, and I sometimes use people's content without giving them recognition. But, when I rely heavily on somebody's video, I do my best to either mention them in the video itself, or mention them in the video description. I did this for you in our Auxbeam Switch Panel Install video, because I used your idea for where to mount the switch panel. I linked your video in my video description. I believe it's VERY important to give credit where credit is due. Giving recognition is the honorable thing to do and it shows the person has integrity. If you're wondering where I'm coming from with this comment, others have used my videos, repackaged the information, and then pawned it off as their own. As you can sort of tell, this doesn't sit well with me.

[@PhoRunner]

I actually referenced the adventuretacos website mostly. I have seen your video and I will mention it no problem but adventure taco is where I got most of the info and t4r post on ultimate axle seal job. 4mm is his recommendation and also all the press locations etc. I also sourced my own parts and tools that don’t match yours.

[@PhoRunner]

It's updated now. You'll see from the adventuretaco article it's nearly 99% the same as the video I filmed. (Wow I just realized he referenced your name in the top but didn't link your video. Easy to miss. Apologies.) I don't want to offend you as I do watch your videos from time to time and I know you've seen me give credit to your videos in the past. Just in this case, it's almost completely information from adventuretaco as was an honest mistake on my part. I now realize he used your video. I have updated my video description as such!!! Also pinned a comment for ya!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@PhoRunner The Adventure Taco guy, just so you know, has ripped off my content more than a few times. He's the main person I was referring to, who has repackaged my content and claimed it as his own. At some level, the only reason he has mentioned my channel in his write-ups, is because I gave him so much shit about it. I actually got kicked off Tacoma World for blasting him for what he does. So, when you use another write-up of his, there's a good chance you're just using a repackaged version of one of my videos. Anyway Minh, thanks for mentioning my channel and giving my channel the credit it is due. Sean and I have worked tremendously hard to bring valuable content to the Toyota DIY Auto Mechanic Community. One of the simple things I ask for is some respect and recognition for our contributions. Take care

[@PhoRunner]

@TimmyTheToolman wow I had no idea. I’m gonna take his mentions out then and just give you credit!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@PhoRunner Thaanks Minh! I appreciate it!

[@alexrivera107]

Greetings, where can I get the tube extension?

[@nono77291]

Thanks!

[@PhoRunner]

Wow thanks!

[@marioandrade847]

Where did you find those vacuum caps? I need some.

[@PhoRunner]

Amazon kit

[@marioandrade847]

@@PhoRunner Thanks!!

[@PhoRunner]

@@marioandrade847 here's a link 7/32” Vacuum Cap (plug brake line) amzn.to/3s1a03i (also in my video description)

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Great job great video

[@PhoRunner]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RyanKirkland-vr2bc]

I need to replace my seal but my bearing is solid and not making any noise. Should I just replace the seal then? Or just do both?

[@PhoRunner]

seal only. way easier to just replace seal.

[@marcoschaconuzcategui4316]

Where did you got your front bumper ?

[@PhoRunner]

Arb from a 1st gen tacoma

[@MrBigg1995]

So to extend the axle breather, do you take that factory thing completely off?

[@PhoRunner]

Yes there’s kits you can buy to relocate it

[@MrBigg1995]

@@PhoRunner basically just a hose extended above water crossing hight? Is the factory one like a check valve?

[@ricardoboy1103]

Show! How solv abs ligth on, 3rd gen ?

[@schaptai1963]

Пригодилось очень,жаль без перевода 🖐

[@wilkycueva7003]

Hola, porfa me ayuda con las medidas para construir herramientas para sacar rodamiento

[@markgriffin7529]

Hey man I have a question for you if you don’t mind. Don’t know if you check these comments but could use your help on the Qled radio install and mirror install from your channel. If you respond to this I’ll send you my email to communicate. Thanks for the great videos.

[@PhoRunner]

find me on fb messenger. Search my name minh bui

[@Kcdaniel88]

I would not recommend using the start of the polish surface and a measuring point. I seen some of these be 3-5 mm different in length. Measuring from the bearing to the start of the abs ring.

[@PhoRunner]

It’s been about 200 miles and it’s leak free. :)

[@PhoRunner]

I get what you’re saying. I would do a grease test and confirm. I didn’t show it in the video but I actually tested 3mm as well. The old parts were not in the right location so any measurement will be wrong.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

The measurement is to get the inner retainer in the ballpark. I've done this job around 15 times and using the amount of polished axle showing above the retainer is reliable guide. The key is to confirm a good mating with either a sharpie test or grease test before putting it all back together. I think a ton of paid mechanics don't verify a good mating, and just go by a measurement, and then the customer gets a leaking axle seal again.

[@Kcdaniel88]

Yes doing the grease check is a great way to check. Glad to hear it’s not leaking. I’ve seen a lot of these with issues from aftermarket parts damaged axles and inexperienced installers. Great videos dude

[@Walkeranz]

12:18

[@Walkeranz]

32:48

[@duanebier5870]

One more comment. It's pretty pathetic that the Chinese can't even make a good copy of my design - which they stole. I know of a few more issues with their tools - but I'm gonna let those that buy Chinese knock-offs find these.

[@PhoRunner]

I’m glad you commented. In hindsight, your tool actually would be cheaper considering the extra press sleeve I had to use. I have an idea you could try to improve your tool. When I was using this tool, I was thinking a better version could be a larger tube. One that can fit the abs ring. If I somehow remove the snap ring c clip out of the groove, it would allow pulling off the entire thing in one press. Therefore saving a ton of time with the press. Sliding the entire tube over on the studs. It would eliminate the need to remove the stud and eliminate the abs puller plate as well.