Hey guys. I need your advice - I've had a battle with a local Toyota dealership regarding a rear wheel bearing replacement. Quick back story: First, they replaced the wrong side against my wishes and had to do the side correct side at their expense. Then the rear seal was installed improperly and it leaked and took out my brakes. Which they fixed, until 3 weeks later - the leaky seal problem again and they replaced my brakes a second time and everything seemed to be ok. (I don't know if they nicked the axle/housing when they cut off the bearing race, but it doesn't seem to leak now).

About a week ago, I went wheeling and noticed my e-locker won't engage. I didn't think this was related to anything, but when I started to investigate it - I found the differential has NO oil in it. So now, I'm curious if the no-oil situation has contributed to the elocker's demise, whether from excessive heat, etc.

My understanding is that the differential fluid levels would have been topped up as part of the procedures for replacing the bearing or axle seal. It does not appear this has been done. I meticulously maintain my vehicle and the diff has no cracks, no leaks, no puddles, no seeping. I do have a diff breather installed that runs up to the fuel filler which is also dry. I don't see any way the oil could have escaped and I have to conclude that dealership did not top it up.

I have an appointment lined up in 2 days to have them look at it (9th appointment regarding this wheel bearing!). I want to hear your guy's thoughts on this. Is my diff cooked because I ran it without oil for too long? (I don't hear any noise). Most pressingly, is it possible that the e-locker has seized as a result of the no-oil issue? I don't want to be the a-hole that pounds on the service desk and demands unwarranted parts/labor, but I also don't want to just bend over and pay for a new e-locker out of my pocket if it's a result of their neglect.

I would really appreciate your feedback. Thanks in advance!

I’m no expert but I don’t think elocker is related to low/no fluid issue.

I'm guessing the same. Any body else know any different?

Have you since refilled the diff and drove it?

When you pull the axles you lose a little diff fluid but not all of it. So even if they didn't top it off, there should have still been fluid in the diff. Did that fluid leak out over time from your bad seal and never get refilled?

Now who knows what they did, maybe they drained it for whatever reason and forgot to fill it, that's definitely a possibility.

Make sure you fill it back up before you drive it again or you will destroy the third member. I would definitely ask them why there was no fluid in the diff and that you want them to pull the 3rd member and inspect it. Make sure you document all of this in case it is fried so they flip the bill.

Sounds like you have my luck with dealerships.....