CV Shaft & Axle Seal Recommendations.....??

I intended to change the front diff gear lube but it took a bit of a twist. I dropped the rear skid plate/ dust shield and noticed evidence of gear lube on it. Upon further inspection I could clearly see where it was leaking from- the seal on the diff. The CV shaft has play in and out (normal I believe) as well as up and down (probably not normal). I'm guessing the needle bearing was worn and the play took out the seal. Please correct me if I'm wrong or missed something.

Because I don't have a garage and have no intentions of doing this in the snow, I'll have a shop do the repair. I have a reputable local shop that has done work for me and a not so local dealer ($$$$$$$$$$$$).

Now that I've painted a backdrop, my question is should I spring for the bushing or just stick with the replacement needle bearing. Is there anything else that would be worth replacing while it's apart? I'm hesitant about using the bushing because they don't guarantee them if I bring my parts in. If there's an issue down the road, it can easily turn into a pissing match.

Using a replacement needle bearing isn't upgrading but it could avoid the above mentioned pissing match.

BTW, I have no strange noises coming from the front end.

Is there anything else I should consider? Any and all recommendations will be considered. Thanks!

 

Replace the needle bearing with East Coast Gear Supply fix and these shafts. Good luck with your truck.

 

I wouldn’t replace the needle bearing with another failure prone needle bearing.
The bushing is the upgrade. I’d go with an OEM seal.
And tell them not to to drive the seal in further than needed, or it will leak.
(Maybe say something like, “ I’ve heard those seals can leak if you drive them into far. That’s way I’d rather have you guys do this for me.”)
Thant way you aren’t telling them how to do the job, but bringing it to their attention.

As for the axle. I’d go CVJ or OEM?

 

CVJ ?? (It's not constant velocity joint?)

 

https://www.cvjreman.com/product-tag/9808/

 

I checked them out. I'm non-lifted and have no plans of doing so. From what I'm seeing, #9808 T is what I'll need. Am I correct?

 

Correct.

Just remember that there is a core charge.
And you will need to ship your old axle back to them.
To me it’s worth it. They also don’t come with a new axle nut.
You can reuse yours or get a new one from Toyota.

Some guys have gambled on Cardone and Napa.
Some have been fine, other haven’t.

 

Thanks! I'm not a gambler and whenever possible and affordable, I'll go with the higher end items.
In one video I watched there seemed to be a seal "seat". Is that what it is? I'm a firm believer in using new hardware and saving the old for emergencies.

My shopping list will include:
ECGS bushing
needle bearing removal tool
seal (and seat?)
CV shaft
axle nut

I appreciate your helpful input. Thanks again!

 

I don’t know what the “seat” is.
But you can buy the seal from ECGS when you buy the bushing. It’s usually right there in the suggested additional parts section. Buy that seal, it’s the one you want.

On the CVJ site, It says dust seals are included.
However, I don’t see the dust seal for the knuckle pictured.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheel-bearing-seal-and-cv-dust-seal-install-tip.460019/

 

I misunderstood that item in a video. It's the dust seal for the knuckle. My bad.....

 

I'm trying to cover all the bases. I can't confirm what the part # for the dust seal on the knuckle is. 90304-A0001 comes up as a not fit. However, 90316-A0001 does fit. I'm not positive this is the seal on the knuckle that I need. Part of this dilemma is due to my own ignorance of the IFS components and the other part is due to crappy pictures and illustrations on some of the sites I've searched.

 

This is from this thread but one of those is OEM, the other is aftermarket. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheel-bearings-hubs-press-service-4x4-prerunner.537080/

 

Also compare price of CVJ to new from McGeorge. Being on the East coast, CVJ wanted $40 shipping for the New Axle and for the core return, so $80 in shipping costs alone for a $90 core rebate (edit: looks like core is actually $125, but I seem to remember $90 from when I did mine). Cost of shipping core+headache made it about the same price to get a new OEM axle for $310+shipping. I then also got to keep the old axle to rebuild and keep as spare

 

I’d go with an oem seal and Napa gold cv is a good replacement with a lifetime warranty. The cheaper Napa isn’t as strong but has the same warranty.

 

The above pic tells me that I require both seals. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I've pulled the trigger for the ECGS bushing and other goodies and a CV axle from CVJreman.com. I just need to get my mind wrapped around the seal confusion to get this party started.

 

You'll have to check on these, since they were parts used on my 4runner, but the CV axles and front diff are the same, so I assume there would be a lot of similarities
Axle Nut: 90178-28002
Axle Nut retainer (I reused mine, but this was the pn i saved): 43525-35010
Axle Nut retainer cotter pin (used a HW store stainless cotter pin, but this is the pn I have saved): 96381-04045
Knuckle/spindle seal: 90316-A0001
Driver diff seal: 90311-47027 (This pn superseded 90311-47012) I also didn't do this one, but I have this written down and confirmed by other 4runner owners. As before, just check tacoma to 4runner pns and make sure same same
Passenger diff seal (This is the side I replaced): 90311-47013

I have it saved on my personal computer at home, but I think the 90304-A0001 is correct for that piece, it goes on the CV side at the knuckle/spindle and mates with the 90316-A0001 which is pressed into the knuckle. I think they come with the 90304-A0001 when you buy them, but I guess it depends on where you get the axle

I have lots of pictures of the process and links to parts diagrams I used to replace everything on t4r.org, which may help with part familiarization:

 

Thank you so much! This is extremely helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks to all!!! I got my parts ordered and thanks to everyone's help I believe I have everything covered.The total cost came to $632 for the driver's side. This includes shipping, core charge, removal & installation tools, a spare diff seal, and new hardware.

 

Nice! and good call on the spare diff seal, it took me a few tries lol

 

I received the new cv axle from CVJ Axles today. I'm impressed with the quality. Thanks for the recommendation!