leaking diff?

[vaio76109]

my sister has a 1998 toyota 4runner 2wd. She noticed a few months ago a burning smell when she got out of the car.She then took it to the dealership and they said the rear diff was leaking and they replaced some things, im not shure what but the axle seals have definitely been replaced along with the diff oil. Well its been in 3 times now and they keep on saying "its fixed now". Well its still leaking or whatever its doing. I looked under the car tonight and all I noticed was some oil around the fill and drain holes probably from when they changed the diff oil. I also noticed however that one of the covers between the wheels that covers the drum brakes(disc maybe?) had dirt and something wet on it(drivers side) with the other side just had some dirt on it. She doesnt do any off roading and just drives around town. Now the million dollar question, WHAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM?. so far ive done some research and the things ive found out were mostly on tundras and those were the bearings, to much diff oil, and overheating brakes destroying the axle seals. Has any body else had the same problem with the diff oil leaking?(it could be something else i suppose depending on how retarded the tech was) THANKS

[chuff]

I think what you mean is the brake backing plate or even the dust cover, right? Well whatever it is there probably shouldn't be oil dripping off it. It could be brake fluid, fluid on a hot rotor or in a drum would make a smell, maybe the line is loose or a seal is out on one of the caliper pistons, but then you should notice the lack of brake fluid in the resevoir or the pedal depressing to the floor. That or the axel seal is out, bout all I can think of, take it to an independent shop and have them look at. I know CAR-X will diagnose a problem for free. Have them document the problem and then take it to the dealer and shove the problem down the service manager's throat.

[champcaracing]

also check the brether on top of the diff, if it doesn't move this will also cause a problem. the diff builds up pressure and it needs to escape. the seals at this point will be the weakest, thus causing the leak!