Small Front Axle Seal Leak - Clogged Diff Breather?

Hey all, new Tacoma owner here. Bought a used '23 SR 4x4 a few months ago. Currently has 27,500 miles on it.

Absolutely loving it, but while doing an oil change yesterday I noticed on the Front Passenger side axle, a small bit of oil collecting on the bottom side near where I assume the axle seal is. Not enough to drip on driveway, but assuming it leaks while driving. Here is a pic:



After some searching here, came across some threads recommending to check the front differential valves/breathers that come up in the engine bay. I did go on a long road trip a month ago and did some minor off-roading in a very dusty environment for a few days, so thought I'd give it a check.



I pulled both out, blew from the barbed side. Air passed freely through the larger diameter one, but the smaller diameter one, I can't get any air through.



Safe to say I need to replace this valve? And is that the correct one that might cause a pressure buildup leading to an axle leak? Just want to make sure I'm understanding their functionality correctly. And for replacing, dealership said possibly 2 weeks to get it in. Is this something I can be safe ordering from Amazon or something? Thanks for the help!

 

Pretty sure the larger hose is the breather for the front diff.
The other small is for the actuator.

Or at least it's that way on the 2nd Gens.
And I don't think they changed it on 3rd Gens.

 

Hmm, in that case maybe just a seal going bad?

Will probably go ahead and get a replacement breather for the actuator just in case.

 

I would, it’s good maintenance anyway.
I had the breather go bad on my rear axle. Caused the seal to leak.

The one on the front diff doesn’t usually go bad. It’s usually just the seal gone bad. The CV is kind of free to play and they will eventually leak. Even more so if you drop the front end in mud and get dirt and debris around the seal.

They aren’t too bad to replace.
The rear is no fun. Whole axle has to come out the rear. Which means brakes and all have to come apart. Even the lines.

 

A 2023 should still be under drive train warranty?

 

I didn’t catch that.
Good eye…..


It should be. Unless the truck is lifted.
And even then it “should be”. But they could use the lift as an argument.

 

Yes, I believe so, and as far as I can interpret... this should be included in that.

Thanks guys, will get ahold of the local dealership and hopefully get it taken care of. Watched a few vids on doing the replacement and it doesn't look too terrible, but if I can get it done for free...

 

No lift, stock. Just added some mud flaps is all so far. Thanks for your help!