jimmyess333

I replaced my CV axle seal when I replaced the axle.
The seal leaked so I replaced it again, still leaking a little.
I've successfully replaced axle seals on other cars in the past without this much trouble.
The new seal seems very tight and requires more than normal force to get it in.
Combine that with the restricted space to work and it's hard to get the seal in without distorting it.
Is there a special tool to install the seal in this car?

62Fender

This is from the xA repair manual. Looks like there's no "tool" to speak of, at least not from Toyota's perspective. Is your seal aftermarket or from the dealer?

******************


INSTALLATION
HINT:
• Use the same procedures for the RH side and LH side.
• The procedures listed below are for the LH side.
1. INSTALL FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LH
(a) Manual transaxle:
Coat the spline of the inboard joint shaft with gear
oil.
(b) Automatic transaxle:
Coat the spline of the inboard joint shaft with ATF.
(c) Align the shaft splines and tap in the drive shaft with
a brass bar and hammer.
HINT:
Whether the inboard joint shaft is in contact with the
pinion shaft or not can be known from the sound or
feeling when driving it in.
NOTICE:
• Set the hole snap ring with the opening side
facing downward.
• Be careful not to damage the boot and oil
seal.

**************

Other than, "Do not excessively push the front axle assembly", that's all that pertains to the oil seal.

jimmyess333

The first two seals were aftermarket.
The one I just bought is from the dealer.
I'm going to take the end(half of the CV joint with the splined shaft sticking out of it) off the old axle and remove the C-clip from the splined portion that locks it into the trans.
With that I'm going to see if I can make a spacer with a piece of PVC pipe to slide onto the splined shaft.
The splined shaft, slid into the trans should keep the "tool" centered and aligned while I tap in the seal by hitting the back of the CV axle end.

62Fender

According to Scotty on Youtube, non-oem snap rings are often too fat or too long. This causes installation to require too much force (which may be what's damaging your seal.) Good luck with the repair.