Axle Seal - Rear

Replace the rear axle seal on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 to stop differential fluid leaks at the axle shaft interface.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear axle seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New axle nut with cotter pin or staking feature × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover gasket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Generic aerosol

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove rear wheel on the side with leaking seal
5. Place drain pan under differential area
6. Clean area around axle shaft and differential housing with brake cleaner to identify exact leak location

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Have an assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent axle rotation. Use breaker bar with 30mm socket to remove the axle nut. This nut is torqued to 250 Nm and requires significant force. If nut is staked, use chisel to un-stake before removal. Discard old nut as a new one must be installed.
2. 2

   Disconnect CV joint from differential
   Locate the six CV joint bolts connecting the inner CV joint to the differential flange. Use 14mm socket to remove all six CV joint bolts. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from hanging by the outer CV joint. Pull the inner CV joint away from the differential flange and secure it out of the way with wire or bungee cord.
3. 3

   Remove axle shaft from hub
   Pull the axle shaft out of the rear hub assembly. If the shaft is stuck, tap the end gently with a brass punch and soft hammer. Once free, remove the entire axle shaft assembly from the vehicle and set aside on clean surface. Keep the CV joint boots away from sharp edges.
4. 4

   Drain remaining differential fluid
   Position drain pan directly under the axle seal opening. Additional fluid will drain once the seal is removed. Allow several minutes for fluid to drain completely. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris that might indicate internal differential damage.
5. 5

   Remove old axle seal
   Using seal puller or pry bar, carefully pry out the old axle seal from the differential housing. Work around the seal perimeter evenly to avoid damaging the housing bore. If seal is stubborn, a slide hammer with internal puller attachment works best. Inspect the seal bore for scoring, burrs, or damage. Clean the seal bore thoroughly with clean rag and brake cleaner.
6. 6

   Prepare seal bore and new seal
   Use wire brush to clean any rust or debris from the seal bore surface. Wipe clean with lint-free rag. Inspect bore for any damage that could prevent proper seal seating. Apply a thin film of clean ATF fluid to the outer diameter of the new seal and to the seal bore. Apply ATF to the seal lip as well.
7. 7

   Install new axle seal
   Position the new seal squarely in the bore opening with the seal lip facing inward toward the differential. Using a seal driver or large socket that matches the seal outer diameter, drive the seal into the bore evenly. Tap around the perimeter to ensure it seats fully and squarely. The seal should be flush with or slightly recessed from the housing face. Verify the seal is not cocked or damaged.
8. 8

   Inspect and install axle shaft
   Inspect the axle shaft sealing surface where it contacts the seal lip. Look for grooves, rust, or damage. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply clean ATF fluid to the axle shaft sealing surface. Carefully guide the axle shaft through the new seal, being careful not to damage the seal lip. Push the shaft all the way through until the splines are visible on the inner side.
9. 9

   Reinstall axle shaft to hub
   Insert the outer end of the axle shaft into the rear hub assembly. Push firmly until the shaft is fully seated in the hub bearing. The shaft should slide in smoothly. Install the new axle nut onto the threads and tighten by hand initially.
10. 10

    Reconnect CV joint to differential
    Align the inner CV joint with the differential flange. The bolt holes must line up correctly. Install all six CV joint bolts and tighten them evenly in a star pattern. Torque to specification using torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    CV Joint Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque axle nut
    Have assistant apply brakes or use pry bar to prevent axle rotation. Torque the axle nut to specification using torque wrench. After torquing, install new cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft, or stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove according to the nut design. Verify the nut is properly secured and cannot loosen.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill differential fluid
    Locate the differential fill plug (typically on the front or side of the differential housing). Remove the fill plug. Using a fluid pump, inject Toyota WS ATF through the fill hole until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole. The differential is full when fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole threads. Reinstall fill plug and torque if specified (hand tight plus 1/4 turn if no torque spec available).
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and install lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground (keeps wheel from spinning). Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the axle nut is properly torqued and secured with cotter pin or staking
2. Verify all CV joint bolts are torqued to specification
3. Clean any spilled differential fluid from suspension and brake components
4. Verify differential is filled to proper level

Verification

• Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, including turns and moderate acceleration
• Re-check differential fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Inspect the axle seal area for any signs of leakage immediately after test drive
• Park vehicle and let sit overnight, then inspect seal area again for delayed leakage
• Verify no abnormal noises from differential or CV joints during operation
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle