Leaking rear diff?

Have it fixed again. I just had mine fixed finally after holding off . On the receipt it stated the gasket was torn and it was a 600$ job . The nuts also looked bigger

 

Oh yeah?

 

Have taken my 2017 TRD OR in twice for the same exact issue. I am at 14k miles. I took it in once in August 2018, and once August 2019. Both times I was told that the diff is not wet, and nothing was leaking. They checked the fluid level and sent me on my way. Also called Corporate and didn't get very far there either....

 

As already mentioned, there was/is a massive recall on this. The dealership had mine for 6 weeks (due to the volume of trucks getting the recall), but the issue was completely fixed.

 

My 2017 TRD OR was not affected. I dont think any of the Off Roads are in the recall due to the axle being different than the SR, SR5, and Sports.

 

Ok, so take it back in and tell them you want the recall done, since tightening the bolts obviously wasn't the solution.

 

I’m here at the dealership now. Mine is not a part of the recalled diffs. They’re going to check and advise. Service writer estimated 1 out of 20 Tacomas has this problem.

They just called me and have to keep it overnight. They said the fluid is not low but they are going to replace the gasket and put new fluid in it.

 

I just had mine checked- first back in June (they re-torqued the bolts), and then it kept “wheeping” as they put it In their notes. Took it back last week and they kept it for 4-5 days until the replacement gasket got delivered. I’m keeping an eye on it and comparing to the before pictures I have. They replaced it until warranty work (2018 TRD OR DCSB, 15k miles) and have me a service rental for free.

 

Mine is a 2019 and I noticed seeping today.

 

I didn't want to start a new thread just for this question so figured I'd ask here. Is there a database online or something that you can plug your VIN in and see which TSB's have been done on your particular vehicle? I'm picking up my 2017 Taco hopefully tomorrow and was curious what has and has not been done.

 

Plug your VIN into here and it will tell you which recalls or service campaigns apply to your vehicle

https://www.toyota.com/recall

I don't know if it will filter out ones that were already done to it, but once you know which ones apply you could ask the dealer if they've been done.

 

Thanks man

 

That's a shame .

 

This is relatively common, and usually not anything to worry about. It might very well be just the lube for the gasket seeping out. The best way to deal with this is as follows:

Wait until next service visit (so that your are not wasting any extra time to deal with this) and bring it to the dealership's attention. At that point, the dealership will take one of three approaches:

1. Tell you it is normal. If this happens, push to have the bolts re-torqued and the diff cleaned off. If they refuse, let it go and get a can of brake cleaner on the way home (if you don't have one already). Once home, spray down the diff until the discoloration goes away. If it doesn't come back, your golden. If it does, rinse and repeat with the dealer on the next service visit, but this time push to have the bolts re-torqued and the diff cleaned again. If the discoloration doesn't come back, your golden. If it does, rinse and repeat with the dealer on the third service visit and push to have the gasket replaced.

2. They re-torque bolts and clean off the diff and send you on your way. See Approach 1 for suggested wait and see approach, and escalation if needed.

3. They offer to replace the gasket. Politely decline offer and ask for bolts to be re-torqued and the diff clean off. See Approach 1 for further action afterwards. You don't want them to replace the gasket unless absolutely necessary. You will waste significant time getting this done, and correspondingly, access to your vehicle. There is also probably a 50/50 chance they screw up the gasket replacement, requiring you to go back to the dealer a second or even third time to get it right.

 

Hey man, I have a 2019 TRD Pro with the same issue.
Here is what I did, made a formal complaint to Toyota Corp...here:
https://www.toyota.com/support/#!/app/ask

Add pictures and detail of mileage etc...
This was suppose to be resolved for 2019, but I guess not!!

So i went to the dealership this weekend for 10K PMI, and shop manager said he cannot address until oil is leaking on the floor.
So I complained again and add more details...

So Toyota corporate call me today with a case #, to follow up.

I also filed a formal complaint to:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

So you have to file complaint formally, so it can be logged and address, otherwise the engineers will never know of the problem....

 

I plan on keeping an eye on it until next service, not something I’m overly concerned about

 

Mine is seeping. Took it to the dealership yesterday, they tightened up the bolts but didn't clean it even though I asked them to. What should I clean it with so I can monitor if it comes back or not?

Mine is an 18, this problem originated in 2016. Frustrated this issue is still happening.

 

Brake cleaner and a rag.

 

Thanks. It won't pose any issues to the paint on the rear diff? I just wasn't sure what was safe to use which would also clean it.

 

Spray with full strength Simple Green, and scrub the crevices with an old dish brush. Then drive to car wash and pressure wash.