Leaking gear oil near rear wheel

Well, the 2006 Tacoma continues to loose the battle against rust. The frame has been replaced. Gear oil starting leaking near the left rear wheel. Thought it was an axle seal.

No, axle has rusted through. Fix is a new axles and associated parts and labor at ~$6500.

Discouraging just after our 2003 4 Runner but the dust when the left from lower control arm broke off the frame and the front part of the frame was too rusted to support repair. So had to put the 4Runner down.

Not sure what to do, I now conclude though that in the northeast you should not try to keep a Toyota longer than 5-10 years.

 

I live in Pennsylvania and I've had my 2010 for over a decade (bought new in September 2009); I've never had an issue with anything more than surface rust and my truck still has the original frame!

If the rest of your truck is in good condition, especially with the new frame, I'd suggest you go somewhere other than the stealership and get a second opinion. You could probably find a wrecked Tacoma with a good rear axle, buy that, and have an independent mechanic do it.

 

Wondering if you could give us some pictures.....never seen anything like what you've described.

 

X2

 

surely it would be cheaper to buy an axle from the SW and have it shipped. I have sold clean rust free housings in CO for $200 ea

 

Do you mean the axle tube has rusted through and is leaking? Weld it up, or have a patch panel welded onto it.

 

This, assuming the rest of it is solid enough to do so.

Other option is a clean unit from a salvage yard.

$6500? Did that robbery use a gun? Or did it include a running truck?

 

6500??

 

@Bluetaco2006 fellow masshole here, North of Boston.

Where are you leaking from exactly? The only leaks I've ever had came from the seal behind the passenger axle.
I'm shocked that the actual body of the diff is leaking.
I got over 300k on my 06 and have nothing going on like that.
Pics, we need pics dood. lol

 

If you have an axle tube rusted through, the last thing you want to do is try and weld up the hole! With that degree of rust, the whole unit will be weakened, and needs to be junked. Just get a used one from out West, or for 6,500 get a full blown Currie 9 inch Tacoma drop in.

 

Those associated parts must have included a gold bar or two....

 

Maybe only 1/2 a bar at today's prices.