Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"

Or Serial Numbers!

 

I don't guess I understand what you mean.

 

I was expounding on your chunks to pieces big enough to be able to make out serial numbers on them.

 

Yea if you can read numbers your in trouble, lol.

 

Just saw my rear diff case is leaking...Guess it is time to replace this weekend. Does the drain plug for the diff case need a gasket similar to the oil pan gasket?

 

Changed the fluid last night, and went out to this am. Turns out the leak is coming from the rear differential case to housing gasket. It's where the housing meets the case and there are 12 or so bolts. Anybody have this issue?

 

Sometimes those bolts will loosen up and need snugging back down. Clean the area with brake parts cleaner and see if it starts leaking again.

 

Was able to tighten the bottom 4 bolts. I'll monitor it tonight. Called the stealership to ask about replacing that seal. Dude gave me a quote of $1000 over the phone. I couldn't help but laugh.

 

My first gen did the same thing, cleaned it good and never leaked again after I tightened.

 

Has anyone changed this gasket/seal before?

 

Have you tried re-torquing the bolts holding the diff together? could just be loose.

 

18,500kms rear dif change. Fluid came out with a grey hue. Magnet had a solid layer of material on it. Adding Amsoil severe gear 75-90.

Mechanic I bought it from said I should be good for life with this change.. Opinions?

 

Good for life... ummm NO!!! Change at least every 30k miles

 

I figured as much, ended up doing T-case and both difs, it was actually a pleasure and I saved hundreds no doubt. I'll do it again at 50k, cheers

 

Chris
My manual says 75-90 for the 4 cylinder and 80-90 for the V6
I know you used 80-90, not a big difference I assume?

 

Thanks Brianr and Chris4X4 for the very detailed instructions...my 2011 4D TRD PrerunnerTacoma has 52,100 and the manual indicates to change at 30,000 for 4WD and Pre Runner with LSD... I changed my differential last Sun using Lucas 75-90... the oil coming out of the rear differential was still clear amber yellow when it came out but since I already started the whole process I might as well finish what I started....there were some fine shavings and a very thin 5mm metal which looks like a small washer attached to the bottom plug....it was baffling where that metal washer came from....I don't even know if my Prerunner has LSD but I felt good that the thin metal was removed...

 

That's the drain plug crush washer.... on most of the fluid plugs under the truck. Hopefully you put it back on.....

 

No, I got the drain plug washer...this metal is very thin, a little thicker than a hair and malleable while the drain plug washer is not 5mm...this thin metal has been inside the the differential....I maybe in the Healthcare career but I know carpentry and I am mechanically minded........growing up poor is one of the best things in life....you learn how to use hands and your brain......

 

Sorry, didn't mean to ruffle your feathers.... but some have not known there was a washer on there....