Extra Part After Repair Any Ideas?

Hello, I recently purchased a fixer upper 2004 Tundra. One of the first issues I am tackling is the leaking rear axle seal. After cleaning the vent (thanks for the advice) I replaced the seal. After getting the axle back in place I discovered this circle shaped spring on the ground. I cannot find it on any parts diagram. I don't know where it would have come from if not this truck. I only had the rear wheel, drum and axle out. I am baffled. Please help


I have also changed the front drive shaft, fixed a fuel leak and replaced the front struts. The rear drum brakes seems like the most likely place for a part like this though.

 

That spring looks to be what is usually found on Toyota OEM Axle Seals. Its the secret Mojo that sets itself apart from inferior seals. Must have fallen off during work. It seats inside the seal inner wall and if unaware without being told you’d not see it with it in your Hand. I’ll see if I can find a pic.

 

This goes on the lip on the inner side of the axle seal. I had one pop off after the seal was set in. With a little effort you can re-install it back on the seal without having to pull the seal out.

Check to see if the seals you removed have them installed first before pulling out the axle shaft.

It fits around the inside of the seal.

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Might have fallen off of the Old Removed Seal as the above pics show gnar gnar traces. Confirm if Old Seal is Toy. All the other seals I’ve seen do not possess this spring. I bought a Toy Seal and replaced my failing one (which lacked a spring). Had Stealer do my other seal with a NAPA and it lacked a Spring which made my Oil Leak. Replaced it a month later with a Genuine Toyota Seal.

Always use Toyota Seals!

 

That was fast thank you! According the the original, and only, owner of the truck before me the axle seals were never changed. By the amount of grease on the wheel and brakes it definitely had been leaking for a long time though.

So safe to assume this was a Toyota seal that was removed. I recovered it from the trash and found no spring. The seal installed was also a Toyota part although I don't recall seeing this spring. I also found the part on the route to the trash can. I think its pretty likely it was from the old seal but it will bother me forever if I dont confirm.

Once again thanks for identifying this so fast.

 

Post up pics of your work.

 

I dont have anything of the rear axle there are some detailed videos on youtube of that already. Here is a snapped front driveshaft and new struts! Its pretty rusty but had the frame replaced. Hoping to get more life out of it.

 

Wow! Never seen a snapped shaft before.

 

Right!? Was just turning around at the end of my gravel driveway and “pop” there it went.

 

It looks like you live in a high salt state? Your new frame is already rusting. I would put something on that frame if you plan to keep it a while. People here like grease rub or fluid film.

 

Yes, I am in Maine, looking to use this as an around town truck and get some miles off my ‘19 4Runner.

“new” frame is about 6 years old.

 

For reference I have around $1200 into this truck between the original two purchase and parts.

 

Lucky it happened there.
Welcome from NY.

 

Here’s a pretty good pic of where that spring goes.

 

Have you serviced the outboard motor on that thing? I would also check the bilge. Oh, wait, that's a truck? Holy Barnacles Batman! Those control arms are cruuuuusty. I would be very leery driving that thing around. Likely needs more in parts than it's worth to eliminate the rust issues still present. I guess roll it till it quits and cut your losses. Gonna be a tear down to see if that spring is on the new seal. I would roll it a bit and check for leaking. If it doesn't leak, why bother looking.

 

It’s actually not as bad as that picture makes it look. I live on a dirt road and the “barnacle” look is actually mostly mud and gravel.

I probably wouldn’t take it on a long road trip but I expect it to last 3-5 years around town.