Hot and recently leaking rear diff.

I have a 2wd 2006 Tacoma PreRunner open diff (non-LSD) 4cyl 5 speed manual.

Today I noticed that my rear diff is leaking from a weird spot. Forgive me for not knowing correct terms....

Leak appears to be coming from the seal with all the bolts (i quickly counted 15 bolts might be wrong). Its weird because its leaking from the what looks like near the top of the housing assembly near the top side three bolts (above the center weld marks on axle housing approx. 2 inches)

Second, I noticed my diff housing was really hot to the touch. I couldnt hold my hand on it for more than a couple seconds which has me really worried.

Have not done a breather mod. And i dont know how to check my current breather if this is part of the problem.

Checked my fluid level and seems ok. I changed my fluid about 6 months ago using Redline

$30 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 gear oil (what was recommended).

I pull an enclosed trailer (weighing approx. 3500 lbs.) daily for work driving 20-30 miles a day and mostly highway miles. Leak just started recently, within last 1500 miles since last engine oil change, seeing that the residue from leak hasnt traveled far and is not dripping. I have searched the forums for possibilities but best i can tell its a combination of what i have read (possible fluid weight, clogged breather, loose bolts on housing which are tight, etc.). Please someone help who knows more than me about this to better pin point the issue. I dont trust local mechanics around here until i know better what im dealing with here.

Thanks.

 

It's the sealant between the 3rd member housing and the axle housing - if it's only a weep as you've described, it will be OK to monitor it closely until a convenient time to fix it. Follow the DIY 3rd removal / installation in the sticky section if you decide to tackle it yourself.

As for the heat, it sounds pretty normal. About 20% of the engines power never reaches the wheels - it ends up as heat loss through the diff(s), transmission, etc. Diff temps well over 150 degrees F are pretty standard after highway travel depending on ambient temp, and you won't be holding your hand on that for long.

 

First responses positive....I like it Thanks

 

are these bolts suppose to be torqued to any particular spec? Or just tighten them up? I dont wanna mess something up.

 

Heated diff after long term driving esp. at high speed is normal. Even more so with towing. As heat builds in the diff, pressure does as well, sometimes forcing some fluid past the seals.

After it cools, check the fluid level in your diff. If it's low because of the seepage your diff may be getting overly hot, which is not especially good for it.

 

12mm socket and torque them down to 18ft/lbs

 

But the check valve should prevent the pressure from rising, unless perhaps his check valve is not working properly.

OP, hurry and go do the diff breather mod. It's literally a 5 minute mod if you've done it, 20 if you haven't and take your time to make sure everything is perfect (that's what it took me).

Just drop by the Toyota dealer and order the breather and union (search for the diff breather thread for the part numbers), buy about 7-8 feet of hose (I used fuel tubing and only bought 6 feet and I would have liked an extra foot but it still routed ok - but always good to have some extra to cut off than not enough), a couple hose clamps, and some zip ties.

Just swap the check valve for the union, slip on the hose and secure it with a hose clamp, and route the hose (securing it with zip ties) to the drivers side rear tail lamp housing area (you'll need to remove the lamp - it's an easy 2 bolts). Zip tie it in place and install your breather and secure it with a hose clamp. All done. Just make sure you leave some slack near the diff to allow for axle movement.

 

Thanks guys. I will check my bolts later today, maybe tomorrow will do the breather mod. I kinda checked the breather last night.... When i only twisted the little cap on the top of it a bunch of stuff fell out. Is that suppose to tell me something?

 

Should, but often doesn't, especially if relocated as mine is. And I even mounted an open filter element on the top of mine in a well sheltered location to further decrease air resistance.

This is also why people frequently have the front diff breather puking diff oil into their engine compartment if they overfill or move to a heavier weight oil (which most of us who re-gear do).

The best solution for diffs is just regular monitoring. Watch the fluid levels, and if there's minor seepage just clean it up every so often.

 

ECGS recommends 85-140w in all their Taco diffs, especially if they're expected to see severe use offroad or towing. The thicker goo cushions shock forces better.

Most of us who re-gear do so for larger tires. Most of us going to larger tires want clearance for...harsh duty applications, whether work or play.

 

What about an all stock 2006 sprt LSD diff. Would you out 140 Lucas if you drive it after work on the weekdays and socal desert running on the weekends?