HELP!!!! Leaking rear axle - fixed 3 times, still leaking.

[Francois]

What the HECK!!!

Just got the trany and the Rear end changed over to Sythetic fluids. While doing that, found out AGAIN, my left rear axle drum area is showing signs of leaking gear lube. After the third time service (replacing seal), this is getting to be more of an a$$ pain than a charm...

What's going one, I would suppose they've put in the revised oil seals. Guys,
any clues? Axle shaft nicked? Vent hole clogged?
Anybody had the rear replaced because of this???

Francois

[nhparrot]

If you have had he axle seals replaced, you should verify that the new style (90310 50006) was installed and not the old style (90310 50001). Also the TSB regarding these seals calls out a Special Service Tool that must be used, instead of what is listed in the Service Manual, not using the new tool can damage the seal assembly causing it to leak. You also said you used synthetic, but not what brand, according to TSB DL003-03 "Toyota Genuine Synthetic Differential Gear Oil (P/N 00289–75140) CANNOT be used in
2000–2002 Tundra vehicles and 2001–2002 Sequoia vehicles. The rear axle oil seals are not compatible and will leak if synthetic differential gear oils are used in these vehicles."

[Francois]

Hi Glenn,

Had the fluid changes done at Jifffy lube. Toyota@melbourne only had an 8 quarts trany flush machine the last time I asked. Bought myself the Mobil1 fluid for the trany.

But did use their supplied gear oil (Penzoil GL5 synthetic for 75 to 90 weight). Did not get the exact specs. But now that I have this rear axle repair or whatever, will probably need to pick up a small quantity to top off so will ask for the exact specs at that time.

Francois

[Francois]

Oh by the way, I just had these fluids changed yesterday. So I don't think it's the new one that did this. Reason I found it is that I got a screw in the tire and had to put the spare on so I found the leak last night in my driveway. Before yesterday, all services & warranty done were performed by Melbourne Toyota. I try to be a faithfull customer no matter the long history of problems I got with this truck with all kinds of problems. BUT I still love this truck no matter what. I just whished that they took these problems at heart a bit more than just the cattle call bandaid fix... First leak found was still under warranty time limit. This leak is now going on for a span of over six months now and really don't have the money for expensive repairs or big parts replacements...

Francois

[sleemens]

I have a 2000 tundra 2wd 6cyl 3.7, bought it last october. I bought it with 120,000km on it . In the first 10k i put on it i need new rear end seals, canadain tire repleaces seals and bearings on both sides.
It's been 4 warrenty replacements on the seals/bearings and most recently they replaced both rear end axles on warrenty under suspision they scored the axles when removel of bearings the first time.
The seals are leaking again now , I'm just curious on feedback about what possibly cold be wrong .

[Hi Volt]

You may want to consider inspecting the retaining collars for the axle bearings. These should always be replaced new when doing bearings. In addition to retaining the bearing, these are essencially the second part for the axle seal ( not the axle surface itself ). Any wear groove or damage to the surface of the retainer will compromise the seal. If a shop is not careful to preheat the retainers before pressing into place, using excess force can cause edge damage that can score a new seal when the axle is re-inserted.

Also check to make sure your vent on the diff housing is not clogged as built up pressure can cause oil to be pushed past the seals.