Rear Differential Issues

Just wondering if anyone is having trouble with the rear differential on a 2008 Tacoma TRD Sport. I had to have the rear differential replaced at 75,000 kms just after a fluid change. Then changed again at 85,000 kms. Just had the rear differential fluid changed at 153,000 kms and within 1500 kms the rear differential started making bad noise and dealer says it needs replacing at a cost of $2750. Why is it that everytime they change the rear diff fluid the rear differential goes. I'm not putting in another rear differential from Toyota, this would be number 4 in 154,000 kms or 95,000 miles

 

That's crazy.. Does the sport have an LSD? Maybe they're using the wrong fluid. I don't think I've ever heard of someone going through so many rear ends.

 

Your 2008 Sport will have the Mechanical LSD which requires friction modifier.

Did the service techs forget to put friction modifier in it on both oil changes?

After each oil change.... did you ever do any tight 8 circles (lock to lock) to 'mix' the friction modifier into the clutch paks?

Is there a white/pink sticker on your rear diff that says 'LSD Oil ONLY?
I wonder if the sticker fell off...??

 

On my service records it shows that they used friction modifier. It is just way too convenient that the same thing happens twice. Even the techs say they have never seen this before. They said they are lucky if they replace two a year. I'm not sure where to go from here. They want $2750 to repair, why would I put in another Toyota rear diff. if this is going to happen. This truck is not abused, I don't tow things with it.

 

At first they told me it was a front wheel bearing. Replaced those, not cheap to do. Turns out they were ok, that is when they said it was the diff again.

 

Strange for sure. I would have a discussion with the service manager at this point, not just your advisor, or the tech.

 

didn't they do some sort of warranty when they put in the new rear end? something fishy, you don't hear about tacoma rear ends going out so much..

 

Depends on if the dealership/Toyota paid for all of the past rear differentials or the customer paid for them.

 

OKAY, here is what I have found out. I did some investigating on my own. I contacted at leat 8 different Toyota dealerships and here is what I found out:

1 - A rear differential service on a 2008 Tacoma cost about $ 130 (canadian)

- My dealer only charged me $50 - clue #1

2 - The 2008 Tacoma requires a specific rear diff. fluid for the LSD differential. My truck has a LSD sticker right on the rear diff.

3 - Every dealer told me you can not use the 80W90 gear oil on the 2008, it is a specific diff oil that is required.

4 - If my dealer used the 80W90 as it shows on my service invoice then that diff fluid will "CHEW UP" my rear diff.

It appears as though they have used the wrong differential fluid, not once but TWICE. Each time they serviced the rear diff. they used the 80W90 fluid.

The dealership owner is "investigating" but told me, "I can see where you're going with this and I'm not too excited about it". I wonder if he could imagine how I feel about a $ 2800 repair quote.

 

I would say back to the dealer owner "And I can see where YOU are going with this, and you need to take care of the mistake YOUR service department made."

 

from another forum

 

05-08 had a mechanical LSD in the rear, 09 to present has an open diff with brake assisted LSD. the mechanical takes special diff fluid with friction modifier.

 

Not sure what this "special" diff fluid is. Should just need regular gear oil with friction modifier added.

 

I've been wheeling toyotas for 20 years, and never had a diff go out. I'd take your truck to a shop that specializes in differentials. We have a really good one here in the Sacramento area. I wouldn't go anywhere else for gear work.

Did they say what exactly happened internally when the diff made noise?
Bad bearing?
Ring and pinion teeth snapping off?
Did they give you the old diff they replaced?

IMHO, There is something fishy going on here
After the work was done, did you verify that they actually added fluid back in?

 

Jack your truck up and spin the rear wheels by hand if they both move then the clutch paks are locked up, ? I'd definitely not be paying for another rear diff.. The dealer should be making it right...

 

So here is a bit of an update.

I took my truck to a different Toyota dealer and had the repairs completed for approximately $2500. On my invoice the Toyota dealer stated the damage was caused by the of non LSD Diff Oil.

I spoke to at least 7 other Toyota Dealers who told me that the fluid that my original dealer had used was the WRONG fluid, as the 2008 Tacoma with a LSD Differential needed a very specific fluid, I have this in writing. The other Toyota dealers told me that the fluid my dealer used will cause damage and chew up the differential.

As I was getting no where with the Toyota Dealer that used the non LSD Oil, I contacted Toyota Canada for their assistance. The dealer once again refused to pay for the repairs.

According to Toyota Canada, the Toyota Dealer was to provide me with his supporting documentation. It has now been 6 weeks and I have received nothing from the Toyota Dealer.

I contacted Toyota Canada and asked for a written response from them. I have to give Toyota Canada credit, they have been decent to deal with.