2nd gen rear diff leak

Hi all, long time lurker here. Used the search feature before posting and all posts regarding rear diff leaks are related to 3rd gens. Noticed my rear diff was showing signs of leaking on my 14 with 74k miles. Photos attached. I was under certified powertrain warranty and dealer, Toyota financial and Toyota corporate all refuse to cover repair saying this is normal seepage and its not an active leak. This doesn't seem normal to me and my 05 4runner with 140k looks dry as a bone. Anyone else have similar experience or opinions to share on the issue? Thanks for your feedback!

 

It's hard to tell from the photos, but it looks like there is seeping on top of the housing. If it is wet around the diff breather then it probably means the fluid worked its way out there, which is not a problem. Also that does not look like a lot of fluid, so it's not like your diff is in danger of running dry.

If I was you, I would: Look at the top of the axle housing. See if the breather is caked with oil and grit, and if that is the source of the leak. Check your fluid level if you are really worried. Wipe it all down with some break cleaner and see where the seeping starts again and how fast. Drink a beer and relax.

 

Tacoscar, thanks for your reply. Attached are some additional photos I just took of breather area.

 

It takes like 2 drops of oil to create what you are seeing. The oild will wick a long way. Can you tell where it might be coming from? It could be the breather as mentioned, or you might need to re-torque all the flange nuts. I don't see any drop hanging from the housing, so aside from appearance, nothing to worry about.

 

It looks like it's coming from the third member gasket seal. Wanted to avoid putting a wrench on it since I had warranty coverage....it expired 2 days after they told me no so I guess im on my own now....

 

You won't hurt a thing by torqueing the nuts. You are through the break in on those gears, and they went through some pretty high temperature cycles. It's likely that the threads relieved a bit. Try torqueing, clean everything up and see what happens. Most likely it will clear it up.

 

I wouldn’t worry about it. Seeping is pretty typical with our diffs. Just change the fluid every few years and you’ll be fine. Mine has looked similar to over 7 years now.

 

Removing the third member isn’t too big of a project. I installed my prebuilt air locker third member after work one day. You could take yours off and use RTV to make a new seal

 

Change the lube first, then change that stock diff breather to a hosed remote 2 way breather with a filter located in your taillight. Both are very easy. The stock breather builds out pressure first until the oil is heated, then they suck in. It looks like the out pressure is a little higher than most, and has caused lube to leak out. Use the Lucas 85-140 Dino oil to change, it's great and cheap even at Napa. Between those two things you'll 99% cure the problem but at least see exactly where the leak is coming from.