Q: Rear Axle Seal Replacement - What type seal?

asked by

Dennis G

on October 05, 2016

I am replacing an inner axle seal on a 1992 4runner. What is the best seal to use? I notice there are differences.

Toyota OEM- The seal housing is all metal. Napa (National brand) - seal housing has a slight rubber coating on the outside which I assume helps to seal it when tapping it in. O-Reilly Auto Part- Seal housing is all rubber

It seems like the Toyota OEM would be the way to go, but it is all metal on the outside. Will it seal ok? Do I have to put some type of sealant on it? Or just some gear only and tap it in? I did notice the OEM seal is deeper than the others?

Or, are the newer after market seals better? i.e.: maybe that's why they added rubber? Maybe newer technology in making newer seals?

Cost difference isn't much between the seals. I just want to install the best one and can't seem to get a consistent answer.

Thanks for any advice.

My car has 294000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

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Q: Rear Axle Seal Replacement - What type seal?

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