right axle seal

[mjk1666]

So I brought the car (2000 SE 4 cyl 63k) into the dealer to have the right axle seal replaced. They tell me that they cannot remove the right axle b/c there is rust down there and it's stuck. They say that the axle might break if they try to remove it. They want me to buy a new axle for $550 or they can't fix the car. I was furious, to say the least. My question is, is there any possible way that the axle could be stuck? Or is this a typical dealer scam? Hopefully, it's a typical scam b/c I'm now banned from the dealership after my outburst today. Thanks!

[Paladin06Greg]

It's always good to get a second opinion. Try another shop.

So I brought the car (2000 SE 4 cyl 63k) into the dealer to have the right axle seal replaced. They tell me that they cannot remove the right axle b/c there is rust down there and it's stuck. They say that the axle might break if they try to remove it. They want me to buy a new axle for $550 or they can't fix the car. I was furious, to say the least. My question is, is there any possible way that the axle could be stuck? Or is this a typical dealer scam? Hopefully, it's a typical scam b/c I'm now banned from the dealership after my outburst today. Thanks!

[frohboy33]

Doesn't sound like they wanted to work to hard at it. If it is really rusted over they could have tried some rust dissolver and see if they could break it free. If they wanted to put a new one on there because of risking damage to the existing, don't you think its worth a try on the existing if there going to replace it anyways?? I mean might as well take the chance at breaking the existing one to see if it will still be usable.

[SC V6]

and I think they are full of sh*t for the record

[SC V6]

I bet they don't want to take the time to put the engine hoist.. cause I know that for the V6 at least that axel holds the engine up cause the axel is part of the rear engine mount

[mjk1666]

Here's the story's resolution: After the fiacso with the dealer, I took it to my local mechanic who took the time to take-apart the right axle where it was "rusted". He replaced the seal and also replaced the wheel bearing. Total cost: $350. The dealer wanted $730 w/o even replacing the bearing. You better believe that I'm going to write a letter to Toyota. Has anyone on this board ever done so? Just curious as to what type of response to expect.