[DirtyTaco]

I was wondering how many other people have had problems with a leaking rear differential. I have a 2007 2WD Access cab with 60k miles. Have the rear leaf TSB (4th leaf), 3" suspension lift, and 30.5" tires.

I have towed a couple of toy trailers, boats, and few loads of landscaping material. Heaviest load was 3200lbs over 300 miles. Primary driving is on the hwy, but occasionally have to run a few desert back roads.

I've taken it in as of yesterday for the second time for a leaking rear differential. This time around I was told the warranty rep did an inspection and deemed it to be just the gasket. I explained I have a few projects in the near future requiring me to haul some equipment north to the mountains in Northern AZ and really don't want a catastrophic failure while on the road.

The dealership has seemed to be honest about things, aside from explaining why the first replacement gasket failed. I'm not a automotive engineer but I can't think of too many explanations other than, not installed properly or a defective differential surface.

Anyone else with similar issues and results would be helpful.

 

[integlikewhoa]

I was wondering how many other people have had problems with a leaking rear differential. I have a 2007 2WD Access cab with 60k miles. Have the rear leaf TSB (4th leaf), 3" suspension lift, and 30.5" tires.

I have towed a couple of toy trailers, boats, and few loads of landscaping material. Heaviest load was 3200lbs over 300 miles. Primary driving is on the hwy, but occasionally have to run a few desert back roads.

I've taken it in as of yesterday for the second time for a leaking rear differential. This time around I was told the warranty rep did an inspection and deemed it to be just the gasket. I explained I have a few projects in the near future requiring me to haul some equipment north to the mountains in Northern AZ and really don't want a catastrophic failure while on the road.

The dealership has seemed to be honest about things, aside from explaining why the first replacement gasket failed. I'm not a automotive engineer but I can't think of too many explanations other than, not installed properly or a defective differential surface.

Anyone else with similar issues and results would be helpful.

Where might this gasket be? I always use silicone, and If I rem. right so does Toyota? Never had a problem and I don't always use toyota silicone like recommend.
BTW I changed my gears.

 

[DirtyTaco]

I was told the diff uses a thin fabric gasket. Be honest, I never inspected while work was being performed. Just taking their word for it. If there is a third leak I will be spending the day at the dealership with a couple of sandwich's, beverage, and a chair watching the work be done.

Leak is coming from rear of pumpkin, from the middle towards the bottom. This last leak left about a 4-6 ounces of fluid on the driveway. Problem is I will never know exactly how much loss I have.

 

[integlikewhoa]

I was told the diff uses a thin fabric gasket. Be honest, I never inspected while work was being performed. Just taking their word for it. If there is a third leak I will be spending the day at the dealership with a couple of sandwich's, beverage, and a chair watching the work be done.

Leak is coming from rear of pumpkin, from the middle towards the bottom. This last leak left about a 4-6 ounces of fluid on the driveway. Problem is I will never know exactly how much loss I have.

Hopefully someone else can confirm, But I'm almost positive there was silicone there before, and now there is definitely silicone there on mine. Even on traditional rear diff covers I never used a gasket at work. Always removed the rear cover, washed it, wire wheeled it clean, scraped the diff housing, put silicone on the cover and mashed it back on, tightened the bolts. I did the same with the Toyota 3rd members using standard gray silicone and never had a problem.

 

[integlikewhoa]

Well I found this link.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/how-technical-articles/135414-3rd-member-swap.html

Looks like it probably did have a gasket, since one is available.

This guy also says the same use gasket or silicone. Maybe if the leak continues, time to switch.

 

[Dart4915]

Not sure what I have (gasket or not) however mine leaks as well. Brought it in for something else and they wanted $700+ to fix the leak and change the break pads... $200 or so for the leak repair and $490 for the break change...

Due to safety and liability they didn't want me to take the car without doing the breaks. I told them I could do it myself and then the lady gives me "tips" in a tone about doing it myself. Gotta love the dealers...

Anyway I have an 07 4dr with the tow package. Don't tow much, take it mainly on light off roading and on road pot holes...

 

[Dart4915]

Just got another call from the dealer...said the seal/baring is bent and they can't get a good seal. They need to put a new baring in... Cha-Ching!

Could be worse I guess...

 

[05Moose]

Just got another call from the dealer...said the seal/baring is bent and they can't get a good seal. They need to put a new baring in... Cha-Ching!

Could be worse I guess...

Sounds like your axel is leaking, not the rear diff which is what this thread is about. Two different types of leaks.

 

[blckgnznstuff]

If it is in fact an axle leak, best to check the diff breather for a blockage. It gets clogged and the internal pressure pushes oil past the seals. Cost me a bearing and a set of rear brakes. When you change out the breather, best to do the remote vent mod at the same time. Particularly if you put boat trailers into the water and submerge the rear end.

 

[Splicer]

For differential leaks, try Permatex Gear Oil RTV Gasket maker. It's made specifically for use with gear oil, since gear oil can break down some RTV sealers. I used it on my Chevy's FF axles -- so far, so good.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Au...makers/permatex_gear_oil_rtv_gasket_maker.htm

 

[hilux5084]

Diff seal

always check the breather before anything, there should be a suction when it is removed because it should be a one way valve.

 

[cdmeyer49]

2007 Taco 4x4 I have had the right seal replaced twice by the dealer and still leaks. Way outof warrenty now (157k miles). The last time I took it in, I asked them to be sure to check the oil level. I didn't notice it until much later that they stripped the plug and now cannot even get a wrench ot vfise grip on it. The dealer is not responsive since my warrenty had expired. Love my Taco though.

 

[needamog]

2007 Taco 4x4 I have had the right seal replaced twice by the dealer and still leaks. Way outof warrenty now (157k miles). The last time I took it in, I asked them to be sure to check the oil level. I didn't notice it until much later that they stripped the plug and now cannot even get a wrench ot vfise grip on it. The dealer is not responsive since my warrenty had expired. Love my Taco though.

The plug can be removed with an air chisel if it is too far gone to use a 6 point socket on it. You may be able to do it yourself by using a sharp chisel to make a groove, then using a blunt punch to tap it loose.

 

[Cleanwilly]

Somewhat related I just picked up my truck tonight after having a bad diff bearing replaced. That and I had them do the wheel bearings and seals while they had it apart. This was at a good independent diff shop. $1800 freaking dollars! Yikes!

 

[gregory_k]

148K no leaks.

 

[DirtyTaco]

Just an update. Since the dealership's 2nd attempt there hasn't been any leaks. Seems as though they found someone competent in the shop to complete the work this time. Plus, it's documented as a previous multi-occurrence event so it's covered in the future even after the warranty runs out in 2014.