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CV shaft replacement part question

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by majmattmason, Apr 16, 2021.

  1. Apr 16, 2021 at 6:37 AM
    #1
    majmattmason

    majmattmason [OP] New Member

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    I replaced both front CV shafts/axles on my 2008 along with the hubs a day ago. The worst part was trying to remove the rotors that were seized on by rust. But during the replacement, when pulling off the old shafts, I found this strange circular part and have no idea what it is for. The new shaft and hub didn't come with it and I find no mention of it in the Toyota parts diagram, so I'm stumped.

    I asked the guy at the local Toyota Parts counter who said he thought it was some sort of retaining ring, but he didn't have a part number for it. I don't know if it's necessary or not. Looks pretty meaningless, but don't want the car blowing up down the road. What is it and do I need it?
     

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    Thatbassguy likes this.
  2. Apr 16, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #2
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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    That ring is an internal part of the oil seal that sits between the CV axle and the knuckle. Your pictured ring is very much broken, and there is no replacing it individually. As long as you have 4wd, there are two of these seals per side, one at the differential side and one at the knuckle side. If you're in there and already doing the work, this is a $15 part you should absolutely replace just for peace of mind, and to protect the new axle you just installed. I found O'Reilly's the best at verifying which seal is which, and their prices were best.

    Please see the attached docs to help you figure out where this is. One the single page doc, it is titled as '2WD-Grease retainer cap' or '4WD-steering knuckle oil seal'. One the 8 page doc, page 3 gets to where it is in the teardown of the knuckle.
     

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  3. Apr 16, 2021 at 10:39 AM
    #3
    majmattmason

    majmattmason [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the info and pdfs. Don't see this listed in either of the pdfs as a separate item. Yes, this one is DOA, and I suspect it's already included in the new parts if it's part of the seals which came with the new CV shaft and hub.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  4. Apr 16, 2021 at 11:07 AM
    #4
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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    You're correct, you cannot get it by itself, so you should not see it in a diagram. It is internal to the oil seals mentioned. As for replacement seals, that'd depend on what kit you got or from where. Good luck!
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  5. Apr 16, 2021 at 12:05 PM
    #5
    majmattmason

    majmattmason [OP] New Member

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  6. Apr 19, 2021 at 11:16 AM
    #6
    y=mx+b

    y=mx+b New Member

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    Its a spring that holds the gasket against smooth metal surfaces of the shaft. If it came from the diff side, you need a new diff seal and I would look into if the diff is leaking from where the axle meets the diff and replace the seal sooner rather than later. If it came from the knuckle side, you'll need a new knuckle seal but I wouldn't worry about it as much, since it won't cause all your diff fluid to leak out. Looks bigger, so I'd guess it came from the knuckle side if you don't remember where it came from
     

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