Symptoms
Gear oil weeping where the CV axle enters the front differential; a puddle under the front of the truck.
The fix, step by step
- Drain the front diff, support the truck and pull the wheel.
- Unplug and move the ABS sensor, separate the tie-rod end, remove the axle dust cap, retainer and 35 mm axle nut (4WD engaged and parking brake on to hold it).
- Remove the two lower control arm bolts, tap the axle out of the hub and pop the inner joint from the diff.
- Note the old seal's depth, pull it, clean the bore, oil the new seal and drive it in to the same depth (Trail4R used a 2 in PVC coupler).
- Reassemble: LCA bolts 118 ft-lb, axle nut 174 ft-lb, tie-rod castle nut 67 ft-lb, lugs to spec (Trail4R lists 85 ft-lb; a reader quoting the repair manual gives 76 ft-lb for alloy and 83 ft-lb for steel wheels) confirm in manual, then refill.
Tools & part numbers
- 19/21/35 mm sockets
- breaker bar
- seal puller
- ball-joint separator
- CV axle removal tool
- seals: left 90311-47027; right 90311-47026 (2014+) or 90311-47013 (2010–13)
Where to buy the parts
Front diff side seal, right (2014+) (Toyota 90311-47026)ToyotaPartsDeal (Toyota OEM) ↗Amazon ↗
Front diff side seal, left (Toyota 90311-47027)ToyotaPartsDeal (Toyota OEM) ↗Amazon ↗
Front diff side seal, right (2010–13, larger) (Toyota 90311-47013)ToyotaPartsDeal (Toyota OEM) ↗Amazon ↗
Crush washer, diff fill (Toyota 12157-10010)ToyotaPartsDeal (Toyota OEM) ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.