Calling all armchair mechanics... does this seam reasonable? TIA

So apparently I have crack somewhere near my front Diff. I am not very educated on these matters and hoping y'all can give me your opinion.

Please see pics below for actual diagnosis and repair estimate.... $4500 to replace entire axel and diff

I'm just in shock at the cost right now and would feel better if y'all can validate or offer some insight. thanks

 

Many red flags: In general they should request an approval from you to inspect first to CONFIRM a leak and to ID exactly the location of said leak. They are giving you a quote hopping you will except and then they will replace with a used unit (will they guarantee that used part/s including labor to replace?) even if it just needs a new seal and bearing (the bearing that supports axle in housing). Then what do they charge per hr for labor? $1700+ at $150 per hr that is over 11 hrs. I just had both front and rear re geared in around 5hrs. Take it to an independent Toyota shop or a gear and axle shop at least for a 2nd opinion. But you may also find a local TW member willing to help with the appropriate experience and skill to check it out.

 

is it lifted?
Is the bad needle bearing maybe caused the seal to wear out and all it needs is a new bearing and seal?
If it just needs the bearing. My local toyota dealer quoted me $700 to swap it out because I wanted to see if they would change it with the ESGS bushing instead of the factory needle bearing.

 

No F'in way I'd spend that much. Get a reman dif and do it yourself. Also, go to other shops and get more quote.

 

2nd opinion from independent shop...stat!

 

I would get a second opinion. I doubt very much that you need an entire front diff. JMO

 

If I am understanding correctly, the max cost is $4500 for the parts as they need to go into the diff to determine the cause. You need to confirm that. It needs to be in writing.

As far as the price, sounds typical if they have to replace. Why do you think I do my own work?

 

Judging by this quote, they are reaching up your ass, out your mouth to your wallet!!! A quick search on car-parts.com shows used front differentials going for $1000 to $1500... I would be taking my truck out of there and finding a reputable independent shop... that is just nuts. It isn't a huge job and they work on them all the time. They just charge book rate regardless... even if it only takes 2 hours they charge book rate of 10 hours....



Oh and those are Canadian prices....

 

completely stock suspension.

 

thank you for your reply. confirmed my suspicions. i will seek a local independent shop. thanks again.

 

The drivers side CV always has a lot play in it on any 2nd or 3rd gen taco that is not unusual. ECGS makes a solid PTFE lined spacer / bushing to replace the needle bearing with that eliminates a lot of the slop. There is also very simple seal there as well prob just $20 to replace. Find an honest local 4x shop to help you with this. The bushing and seal can be replaced in two hours in a driveway...

 

Really appreciate your feedback. yeah i need to find a local independent shop.

 

How many miles does your truck have? Do you use 4x4 often? Are you hard on your truck?
The quote tells me that something doesn’t add up. I would seek a second opinion from a reputable repair shop.

 

about 180,000 miles. i don't wheel often, but i have done moderate trails before. i do recall a trip where i heard "bangs" from hitting rocks underneath. i am seeking an independent shop, per advice of this thread.

 

Whoa, 180K is getting up there man! But I would still get a second opinion from an independent shop before proceeding.

 

This. Doubtful you need to replace the whole dif. Bearing and seal likely. Same happened in the front D30a on my Jeep. I replaced it myself. Might also be a separate shaft there but unsure on this design vs the one I'm used to. My bearing came out in pieces. I don't seem to have pictures of that.

 

Ripped you off every step of the way. By a lot.

 

$60 https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

$18 https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota__Tacoma/OIL-SEAL-SEAL/63200921/9031147027.html

If the shop you go to has not done the ECGS bushing before you will need to buy this small tool :

$45 https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-14430764-toyota-8-clamshell-bushingremoval-tool.html

So...$123 in parts and if you can connect with your local Taco community you might even be able to find someone to help you DIY it for a 12 pack and a pizza

 

i love my truck. put 90k on her the first two years.