I've decided to finally repair my leaking rear axle seals. I've purchased the inner and outer seals, the o-ring, the bearing, the bearing retainer, and the brake shoes. This is the first time I've attempted this repair.

I've been researching this repair in the Tech Archives, and I found some very good info. However, I still have a major concern: pressing the bearing, retainer, and seal on and off the axle.

My objective is to do this work efficiently. (This is my only means of transportation.) Because I will have to call a friend to provide transportation to an automotive shop, I want to understand what I am up against:

I've seen some posts in the past question the location of the bearing, retainer and seal on the axle. Some have even implied that this was the source of the 3rd gen problem. The seal was rubbed by the retainer (or something to that effect).
Is it obvious where the bearing, retainer, and seal should be located?
Is this a "no brainer" for an automotive shop, or should I scrutinize this work?
Can anyone explain or illustrate the location that these parts should be when finish? (I've got the FS manual CD, but they skimp on this detail.)
Is this something any automotive shop could do, or should I go to Toyota get get them pressed off and on?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

It's not rocket science, a competent shop should be able to do it blindfolded. Usually, finding a competent shop is the hard part.

It is very easy to remove your axle to get to your seals as you have seen in the write-ups. something like - drain diff oil, unscrew 4 bolts, tie up brake line and emergency brake, and pull out axle assembly.

The hardest part of it all is finding a mechanic who can pull off the old bearings and press the new ones on. The problem comes in where the press machines do not have "molds" to hold the larger size brake drums that come on the 4Runner. Once you find a mechanic who can do this, the rest is simple!

I have a bunch of pictures when I did mine so feel free to email me at jataga@att.net and I can send them to you.

OH, you might want to order an ABS speed sensor gear just incase the old one cracks when the mechanic pulls it off.
-John

Here are a few write-ups I did on mine...

Here is what the toyota book has on it.

Here is what another Toyota book has on it

Are you sure the inner seal (big black donut next to the bearing) is leaking? I thought the main culprit was the outer axle seal, in which case, you don't have to touch the bearings at all. For that, you just pull the axles out, pry out the seal, and hammer a new one in. My bearings have play in them (150K mi), but are still useable. I know one guy who has 340K mi on his original bearings ('88).