axle seal

[getyourgunn]

Ok so I'v done axles before but I need to know how to do the axle seal. I assume I go through the process of taking out the axle then whats next. I assume I drain the transmission fluid? then pry out the old seal and tap in the new? Is there anything else to replace while its out? Is there maybe a writeup on this already.

[speedy25]

Dont forget that they are different on L and R.

-SP

[getyourgunn]

Originally Posted by speedy25

Dont forget that they are different on L and R.

-SP

Is there a mid bearing on the passenger side axle, I cant remember? Are you saying the seal is different or something else?

[speedy25]

The OD of the seals is different L to R.

No "mid bearing." Passenger side axle is MUCH longer than driver side.

-SP

[getyourgunn]

So is it easy as pulling out the axle prying out the old seal and tapping in the new one? does the automatic transmission on the 97 1.8 liter corolla have a separate diff fluid from the trans?

[speedy25]

yes. oil the seal lips AND the seal surface of the axle shaft. remove any rust near the seal surface too.

yes.. so I have read. You'll know when gear oil leaks out instead of auto trans fluid.

[blb]

Originally Posted by getyourgunn

On the 97 1.8 liter corolla have a separate diff fluid from the trans?

Depends...If you have the 4 speed automatic, they are not separate. If you have the 3 speed automatic, the differential and trans fluid are separated. And BTW, you use Dexron ATF in both.

[PatrickGSR94]

Good luck with that passenger side axle seal. I replaced both axles on our 96 1.8 4-speed last year, and got the driver side axle seal in after much pain and suffering, but the pass side one was IMPOSSIBLE. I think the new seal I got may have been slightly too large or something. I messed with it for a good 2 hours, pounding on it with a 36mm socket and long extension. I just could not get it in there. Not being able to get a good angle on it with the socket and hammer didn't help, either. I ended up just throwing the old seal back in there, and I don't think it's leaking yet.

Next time I'll be getting OEM seals from Toyota.

[getyourgunn]

Could you explain how you got the old seal out?

Does anyone have any tips on getting the new seal in?

I'v done axles before and on a 97 corolla do I have to take the tie rid off in order to get the axle out? or can I just take out the three bolts to the control arm and turn the wheel all the way to one side and push it out. I was able to do this on my camry with no problem and it saves me a little time.

I havent started the job yet but i just want to know how much time i should set aside beforehand.

[speedy25]

Out- large screwdriver can pry them out or you can get a seal remover that gives you more leverage.

In- hammer and anything else. Large sockets are a typical choice but I also have used a piece of wood to knock each "side" in until its all the way home.

Easiest way is to unbolt the lower ball joint and move the axle out of the way. You can make it harder if you want.

-SP

[Clayton1984]

You have the order messed up.

Drain tranny fluid first. Otherwise the second you pull the axle fluid will poor out everywhere.

[PatrickGSR94]

Originally Posted by Clayton1984

You have the order messed up.

Drain tranny fluid first. Otherwise the second you pull the axle fluid will poor out everywhere.

happened to me the first time I replaced axles myself on my old Camry in the late 90's.

[getyourgunn]

I just thought i would follow up on this topic for future reference for people.

I did the job today and other than a rounded off bolt it went pretty well. I found that instead of prying the axle out of the transmission with a screwdriver or something, it was easier to knock it out from the rear of the "tulip" (if thats what its called) with a block of wood and a hammer. The old seal was fairly easily pried out with a screwdriver. I got the new seal from O'Reilly auto parts, make sure to get the one for the side you need. Then I just greased up the new seal and popped it back in. If you have a socket the same size as the seal it would make it easier to knock in, but i just used a long socket extension and tapped all around the seal. Then I just put everything back together.

[calinip]

a year later..... How is the new axle seal holding up??? im about to do one for my friends Sequoia. thanks everyone for posting! good info!