Help (fairly urgent)

[Lomcevac]

Hi Folks
I (the Surf that is) have developed an oil leak, I think from the rear axle. The oil is flying out from inside the rear brakedrum and all over the inside face of the tyre.
I am guessing that this is oil from the axle getting past a seal in the hub??
I need to decide whether to try and get it to the garage or try and sort it myself over the weekend.
Can anyone suggest exactly what the problem might be and what the implications (special tools/parts) might be.
Many thanks in advance

[Morr]

Have you determined that it is defiantly oil?
Could it be brake fluid?
check the level on your reservoir to check.

If its fluid you will likely need to replace the rear wheel cylinder (personally I would always recommend replacing the pair to ensure even braking). You will also need to renew the shoes as the fluid will have contaminated them.

If not fluid and defiantly oil, the its likely the rear half shaft oil seal. There should be some write-ups on here showing how to replace the rear bearing on the 3rd gen models (2nd gen should be virtually identical) the oil seal will be covered by this write-up also. Axle oil will also damage the brake shoes, so either scenario really calls for new shoes.

[Lomcevac]

Thanks Morr
I'm pretty sure that it's oil, not brake fluid, its black and smells like engine oil. I'll have a look for posts on rear bearing etc.

[Vagrant No2]

Once you have replaced the faulty rear axle seal (if the faulty item) check the diff breather is not blocked or the fault may re accur .



Rick

[Lomcevac]

Thanks Rick
Just got the drum off, defenitely oil, is it hard to get the hub off?

[jotto]

Its more than likley the wheel bearing has gone which in turn makes the oil seal go. Well it did on mine

[Lomcevac]

Deep Joy.

[TonyN]

Its more than likley the wheel bearing has gone which in turn makes the oil seal go. Well it did on mine

Yup, but its not the end of the world, I've done 4 this year. (first pair were rubbish cheapy bearings!) Its not a bad job. But you need to have the courage to break out the bearing and cut the retainer and inner race without damaging the shaft. Or have special tools and press.

[Lomcevac]

Starting to sound like a garage job to me.
The bearing is suspect, I've just put the wheel back on and given it some heave-ho, not much movement but some. I don't really want it in bits on the drive for days whilst I do battle with bearing retainers.
I see the millners part No. for the halfshaft outer seal is the same as for hilux pickup, no surprises but are the bearings and brake shoes also likely to be the same, ie could my local garage source them?

[laser_jock99]

Starting to sound like a garage job to me.
The bearing is suspect, I've just put the wheel back on and given it some heave-ho, not much movement but some. I don't really want it in bits on the drive for days whilst I do battle with bearing retainers.
I see the millners part No. for the halfshaft outer seal is the same as for hilux pickup, no surprises but are the bearings and brake shoes also likely to be the same, ie could my local garage source them?

I suggest you go to Roughtrax (Milner's bearings can disintegrate after a month....) and get:

1) Rear wheel bearing.
2) Halfshaft oil seal inner
3) Halfshaft oil seal outer
4) Rear axle o-ring seal
5) Half shaft retainer
6) Set of rear brake shoes (not 100% necessary if you can clean ALL the diff oil off the drum & shoes)

Then you can either take it to a garage to fit or attempt a DIY fit. I've done the job 3 times and it gets easier each time.

Search the forum for REAR WHEEL BEARING for instructions. The Haynes 4Runner manual helps.

[Lomcevac]

Thanks guys.
Just spoken to my local 4*4 place and they are familiar with LN-130's and are happy to source the parts so have booked it in next thurs. I've just got to decide whether to get the bits myself from roughtrax or let them get them in once they have it apart. Also do I to risk driving it till then? Have cleaned up all oil and diff took half a litre to top it up but don't know how long its been leaking!

[laser_jock99]

Thanks guys.
Just spoken to my local 4*4 place and they are familiar with LN-130's and are happy to source the parts so have booked it in next thurs. I've just got to decide whether to get the bits myself from roughtrax or let them get them in once they have it apart. Also do I to risk driving it till then? Have cleaned up all oil and diff took half a litre to top it up but don't know how long its been leaking!

Your main problem driving it at the moment will be impaired braking ability on the one side. Just be carefull when braking!

Nevillef

[TonyN]

Starting to sound like a garage job to me.
The bearing is suspect, I've just put the wheel back on and given it some heave-ho, not much movement but some. I don't really want it in bits on the drive for days whilst I do battle with bearing retainers.
I see the millners part No. for the halfshaft outer seal is the same as for hilux pickup, no surprises but are the bearings and brake shoes also likely to be the same, ie could my local garage source them?

If you want to cruise up to Basingstoke.................

(I'd get the bits from Roughtrax though.)

[Lomcevac]

Thanks guys.
Just driven it 30mls to work and it hasn't leaked any more yet.
Got it booked-in thurs.