So what’s leaking??

I noticed a stain from a leak coming from the rear of my 2003 Tacoma 4x4 it looks like it’s coming out of the valve? Any opinions on what it could be? Here’s the pics

 

This is the axle housing breather. It just unscrews like a bolt. You can check that it is not blocked. If so it should be pretty cheap to replace

 

Replace breather

Remove fill plug first

Remove drain plug second

Drain, reinstall drain plug with new gasket, refill until it spits over, and reinstall fill plug with new gasket

Note, the above should be done while on flat ground

 

thank you sir I’ll be doing that this weekend

 

Knock out the front while you're at it; did mine last month

You'll see I did the infamous 'Lexus plug' swap; you replace the 14mm hex drain plug with the drain plug used on a Lexus

Baggie of parts are the new gaskets/crush washers

 

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

75w 90 GL5?

 

Rexka 12pcs Transfer & Differential Service Gasket Kit Compatible with Toyota Lexus 4Runner Land Cruiser Tundra Tacoma FJ Cruiser Highlander RAV4 Sequoia Sienna 1215710010 9043024003 90430A0003

$7 Rexka 12pcs Transfer & Differential Service Gasket Kit Compatible with Toyota Lexus 4Runner Land Cruiser Tundra Tacoma FJ Cruiser Highlander RAV4 Sequoia Sienna 1215710010 9043024003 90430A0003

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJHTDVV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VTW7E7E0RM6FKTV1GF64?_encoding=UTF8

 

I wish there was a better front diff fill plug. That's the one that gets the most jacked up on my trucks.

 

I suggest removing the OEM axle breather and extending it up to and behind the fuel door.
Plenty of info if you search.

 

Really?

That one has a much lower torque value compared to the drain plug, so I can't imagine it really getting seized on there.

 

On my 98 it might as well be welded shut. Haven't gotten after it on the 04 yet. Too scurred.

 

Not sure if it has been mentioned before but might want to do outside vs. garaged. If in a closed garage be prepared for the stink, it tends to linger.

Also just noticed, might want to check your bushings

 

Just what seems to smell I never noticed anything .

Unless I drove over a Skunk again in my driveway better then being sprayed again.

 

Those are spherical bearings, not bushings, and look just as they should.

Still wouldn't hurt to check them for play though.

 

While you're in there replacing the breather, just do a breather extension. Super simple, and helps keep water from getting in the housing during water crossings.

 

Yeah that’s what I plan on doing I’m going to search for the link for the install instructions thank you

 

But dunking it in water means you clean out your breather