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2002 Tundra Differential Problem

14K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  Ando140  
#1 ·
I have a 2WD 2002 SR5 Tundra with the limited slip differential and 90K miles. Truck looks brand new and has had rear dif fluid changed at least 3 times and has never towed or hardly even been on dirt road.

Truck rear end is making moaning sounds and binding up when I turn or go around corners slowly. Dealer evaluated and said new differential is needed for $1500. I need some advice. I have been driving truck for a year or two with noise, and I think the limited slip isn't working quite right. The additive to the differential oil seems very important. If other owners can advise on repair I would appreciate it.

2002 was the first year that the limited slip option was available, and it was only a $200 option at the dealer to have a truck with it. Not sure where to get additive, or what other oil for diff case might work better than GL-5 recommended with the additive. Thoughts?
 
#3 ·
You can get the additive at any auto parts store. Autozone, NAPA, O'reilys. Pep Boys, whatever you have local. Also, the clutches in a LSD rear end wear out over time. Your right about the mileage that this happens.
 
#4 ·
If he is getting the noise while turning, I would say it still probably has a little life left in it and just needs the limited slip additive (and doesn't have any additive in the diff now). I have read a few posts about dealers not using proper oils / additives and causing these noises. I am sure the dealer would love a $1500 repair job, but I would try the additive first yourself.
 
#5 ·
Are you sure that there is plenty of fluid in it, also are you saying that the 00 tundra does not have LSD
 
#8 ·
Boy, I wish I knew where those junk yards were that had diffs laying around that could be had cheap....
 
#12 ·
I once had a diff change, supposedly with the correct fluid / additive, and it growled like a cornered bobcat around corners. The interesting part was how adamant and defiant the mechanic was that the correct fluid(s) were in the diff after he finished. All I did was drain and refill with the correct stuff and the problem was solved.
 
#13 ·
Well, I added 7 oz. of friction reducer I bought at Auto Zone for limited slip differentials and it sure made a difference. Rear end isn't binding up or grabbing around corners now. I turned a bunch of circles in my cul-de-sac working it in to differential oil so my neighbors probably thought I was crazy. We'll see how long it works.
 
#15 ·
I changed my differential fluid on Saturday. I went to the Toyota dealer to get the fluid (figuring they'd give me the stuff with the additive). I was a little shocked when the guy said they don't carry the differential fluid and all he had was the additive... which was actually GM's limited slip additive. So I bought a GM fluid at a Toyota dealer. Went to the local parts store, the straight 90 weight oil brand looked pretty shady, so I got some Castroil 80W-90 for the rear and Castroil Syntec 75W-90 for the front. Added the additive with the first quart in the rear differential and it seems to be fine, I'd say I got about 130 or so miles on it now.
Moral of the story... don't count on your Toyota dealer to have or use Toyota differential oil (even though they say they use Toyota fluids/oils).