Noticed a leak

I was at work last night and noticed a leak coming from my rear end. I'm just wondering what I need to do to fix it or if I should take it to somebody

 

Try this first: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/170357-2011-tacoma-rear-diff-leak-wtf-2.html Defiantly worth a shot..

Otherwise, it will have to be pulled apart and re-sealed (gasket maker) Fairly easy process if your familiar with wrenching. Bit of a messy job also..If your unsure I would recommend taking it to a good dealer or shop.

 

I wound up with a leak in my rear diff at about 85,000 miles. Fortunately I had a certified used vehicle extended warranty and it was taken care of for a $50 deductible. If I remember correctly, it was around $400 to do the repair. I believe they had to pull the axles and remove the carrier assembly. Mine was in the same spot, at the carrier seal. I was actually seeing drips on the ground.

 

Is that a big chunk missing from the case or is the lubricant producing an optical illusion?

 

Just lubricant.

So I'd just have to remove the drive shaft, then pull the casing off to get to the seal right?

 

Try re-torquing the bolts in the link I posted above first. May stop the leak. Make sure you clean off where it appears the be leaking afterwards

 

Looks more like it's seeping out to rather than leaking.

 

Haha I thought the same thing.

 

X3

 

Drain the rear differential oil.

Drive shaft out. Or at least disconnected from the rear end.

Drive axles pulled out each side to disengage them from the rear end gears.

Remove all the nuts around the rear end and remove it.

Clean and reseal the mating surfaces.

and reinstall in the reverse order, torque all nuts and bolts to spec.

 

Alright thanks. Should only take a couple of hours right?

 

Depending on your skills as a mechanic. Some could do it in a few hours with the right tools ( pneumatic ). All hand tools will take longer. If it were me I would just plan a day for it so I don't feel rushed. Rushed always ends up fucking something up.

 

Once that gasket starts to leak you must replace it. You can not get it to reseal once it has been saturated with fluid. Make sure the mating surfaces are very clean and dry before you put it back together.

 

I've got access to 2 full shops so tools aren't an issue. I just have to make the 40 mile trip.

 

The hardest part of the job is removing the brakes and lifting the third member out. Not a bad fix at all.

 

Easy job, just be careful that you dont rest the axles on the seals while youre doing the work.. Personally I would just watch it to see if it leaks alot or is just seepage.

 

There was a small puddle on the ground when I was at work. Haven't seen anything last night or all day today other than what's on the case. I just cleaned the case so I can see if anymore happens to come out.

 

Make sure you still have fluid in the diff if it has been leaking for a while

 

It could've been oil or something from someone else's vehicle
There's no damage to the underside of my vehicle the most action my truck gets is launching my boat

 

That would be a small leak compared to most GM Trucks. Other than a relatively new GM truck I don't think I have ever seen a GM Pumpkin that wasn't leaking.

I agree, I would check the torque on the nuts.