Diff leak on SR

Hey everyone, I've been following the leaky diff recall since the start and have read through almost all of this thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-possible-loss-of-control-of-vehicle.488536/
I have a 2017 SR, 4cyl 4x4 MT. According to Toyota's website I am NOT involved in the recall. I've periodically looked underneath my truck, all was good until recently when I saw this:
(Apologies for the shitty pic, it looks similar on the other side)
I've seen very little talk on this regarding the lower trim trucks, according to what I've seen the OR and Pro are specifically excluded from the recall yet many have diffs that look just like this.
My question(s) are:
Any other SRs have a leak?
Did any SRs get a recall letter?
Any SR owners been to the dealer about this?

I'm at about 13k right now, the plan currently is to keep an eye on it and bring it to attention at the 15k service. I don't want to be put in a loaner but I understand that it is a possibility. Any insights/personal experiences appreciated!

 

Hmm, considering it's the same rear end that's used on the 4cyl SR5 models I think you should call your dealer and let em know you would like it looked at to get documented.

It may be the same housing actually for all Tacomas execept one model I can't think of, possibly the MT 6-cyl rigs, OR I think.

Good luck getting it repaired quickly, I believe lots if folks are having to wait a while.

 

I would just take it to the dealer regardless if it falls under the recall or not. The issue is there, it should be covered under warranty.

 

That sounds like the right approach.

If it get's worse, call sooner.

 

And the dealers are all different, one will take the truck and another will tighten the bolts and send you on your way and another will say keep an eye on it...no one has their stories straight...lol

 

hi roctaco I have a sr 4x4 auto , recently received the correspondence letter from Toyota . took to dealer even tho I have no sweating or leaks , dealership returned the truck 1 hour later and told me that they retorqued the bolts on the third member housing and that they have me in the computer as checked , and retorqued , was told to keep an eye on it but I should be ok so ill just check from time to time I do not have any howling noises so crossing my fingers

 

That's my opinion as well. In the big thread one guy posted the technical instructions for the recall, the pics they have as examples of oil leaks are a dead ringer.

 

Thanks mike! I think the reason mine isn't on the recall is the rearend on MT trucks is (supposedly) a different size.

 

I wonder if Toyota will just recall all 16-17 models eventually. Just to cover themselves or just be safe.

 

I have the same build. It's my opinion that a weep is something that will become a drip over time, and that right there will take 10,000 years to become a drip. We have the larger of the two available diffs, not sure what the data shows for frequent diff leaks, because I honestly haven't been paying attention since it's so minor. I looked under my truck when this all started happening, and I have the exact same pattern. It could have been a minute amount of oil that was on the threads during assembly, that spread when it started to warm up. Either way, it's just not alarming to me, and I'll get it addressed when two things happen- they have parts on hand, and I have time to spare for something that isn't pressing.

I know shelling out tons of money for a truck makes everything a big deal, but if it's any consolation, diff science is a thing I partake in, and I'm not too concerned.

 

I agree that it's nothing worth getting worked up over, hence I'm going to lump it in with scheduled service. I'm thinking the base models have a similar percentage of leaks, just we're a less high-strung bunch.

 

I concur.

 

Had the truck at the dealership Thursday cause it's not on the recall list for the rear differential. Was seeping a few thousand miles ago and was afraid to take it in cause they may keep it. Turns out they were really cool about it and they ordered me a new gasket and there is 351 gaskets on national backorder cause of the recall so im number 352. May be a few weeks til they get one in and once they do I'll set up a appointment and they said it's about a 4 hour job all covered under warranty, I got 34,220 miles on it now!

 

Awesome! I'm hoping to copy/paste that experience lol.

 

I hope you do. Which dealership are you going to? I went to LeBrun and wasn't happy with how they handled mine. The service manager didn't even know there was a gasket on the diff. I callled Hoselton about it and I got the same answer which is concerning. LeBrun told me they put a new gasket on but I really think they just put 2lbs of RTV on it. I have a 2016 OR which of course isn't on the recall. I hope your experience will be much better.

 

I've been pretty happy in my dealings with dorschel so far, including the purchase and my first 2 ToyotaCare services. It'll probably be late August/early September when I hit 15k and take it in.

 

Thanks for letting me know. I might have to try them out.

 

No problem, it's always helpful to have different options in something like this, all within a reasonable radius too.

 

I have a 16 SR 4cyl 4X4 MT that started seeping recently. I'm also not included in the recall. Truck has 23k on it. I haven't been to the dealer. I work out of my truck. I could get by with a loaner for a day or two, but not a month or two. Here's a pic of my leaky rear end