REAR DIFF AXLE SEAL DIFFERENTIAL, CHECK YOUR BREATHER VALVE,MIGHT END UP NEEDING SEALS BEARINGS

So this posting is for everyone here that owns a Tacoma.
This should be included in the maintenance of a Tacoma

The rear differential release pressure valve is an item that can get stuck closed from dirt, mud or rust.

If this happens you have a great chance of having your rear axles seals getting blown out from heat pressure.

And that means new seals and bearing running 1000.00 or so if the dealer does it.

My valve was stuck shut from dirt and my rear axle seal blew out.

Had I taken the time to check it and or replace it at the cost of 12.00 I could have
saved myself a lot of money and headaches

Take a few minutes to see if your diff valve is working or just get a new one for 12.00 if
you have a lot of 4x4, mud or dirt miles or rust on your truck.

It’s takes a minute or two to remove it and clean it.

9093003031 / 90930-03031 - PLUG, BREATHER (FOR REAR AXLE HOUSING) - Toyota OEM

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9093003031...3EAAOSwax5YoktJ:sc:USPSFirstClass!80134!US!-1

 

Thanks for this

 

I searched for that part number on Amazon but it didn’t pull it up

 

They are 12.00 at the dealer for me or 10.00 on eBay

9093003031 / 90930-03031 - PLUG, BREATHER (FOR REAR AXLE HOUSING) - Toyota OEM

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9093003031...3EAAOSwax5YoktJ:sc:USPSFirstClass!80134!US!-1

 

$7.55 on toyotapartsdeal

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~plug~breather~no~2~atm~90930-03031.html

Do the relocation mod if you going to change it

 

I probably will this next summer, it took two minutes to replace the old bad one.

 

Def should be added to @mechanicjon thread for tacoma parts. The hose attached to it should also be replaced.

 

This is a super easy maintenance item. I have personally blown seals due to mud/grime buildup and it doesn't take much just a bit in the wrong spot.
I ended up getting water in my wheel bearings on a trip and spent hours replacing all seals and bearings when I got home. My vent was completely clogged.
Thanks for letting other people know.

 

Just purchased one thanks again

 

I would just like to add, to see if it is working, just push down on it with your finger. It should move freely up and down.

 

Some how I got lucky with this rear axle seal leaking.

I replaced the breather valve and the rear seal stopped leaking!


So I cleaned the brake drum and shoes and The Whole area

I must have gotten lucky for now, I’m guessing the pressure was pushing the seal open and then returned
to it’s original location after the pressure was released.

Now I get to return 250.00 worth of parts, gaskets, bearing, seals, shoes to toyota now.

 

This is another great reason to do the rear diff breather mod. Gets the breather up out of dirt/dust, and even more importantly out of water should you go through a deep water crossing. You don't want to suck water in your rear diff!

Rear Diff Breather Mod - Why didn’t I do this sooner?

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If gear oil was leaking past the axle seal, that means it was also leaking through the sealed wheel bearing and would have displaced the grease inside. Your wheel bearing's days are numbered, I would keep all that stuff as it'll probably start howling soon...

 

Ok, I’ve put 2000 miles or so on it from when I installed the new breather valve and no leaking or noises, I will keep an eye on it

 

(for people who search in the future and find this thread...I know Timmy the Toolman has detailed videos for this job, but I thought it would be nice to have a printable step by step write-up to follow as well)

Just a heads up that I had to replace the rear axle seals on my 3rd gen 4Runner and 1st gen Taco - both in the last month. Required a few special tools, and of course the requisite parts, but was a reasonably straight forward job (full story).

Wrote up the list of tools needed, all the parts (with numbers) and a detailed step-by-step guide in a printable format here:

Step-by-Step Replacing Rear Axle Seal & Bearing w/ABS (1st gen Tacoma or 3rd gen 4Runner)​

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