Changing gaskets when changing diffs/tranny fluids?

[ShooterMcGavin]

I assumed that, to do this right, I would need to replace all the gaskets for the drain and fill plugs when changing my diff and tranny fluids. I went to an auto parts store and (after looking under the truck) they insisted that the type of plugs used do not require new gaskets to be replaced. Now, I'm up against a time crunch. Do I need to replace the gaskets? This website says that I do: Synthetic Fluids Toyota 4Runner Information

If I need to replace them, can I just get generic washers/gaskets of the right size to get the job done right?

 

[jgue467]

I've done mine (3 diffs +tranny) twice in the last 60K and used no new gaskets/washers, same with tranny and engine oil. But yeah if you want to change 'em, generic is fine. Of course, check for leaks after snugging up to the official torque, that I do insist on doing right. Luck! :banana:

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Thanks!
Also, anyone please chime in if you know the diameters of the drain plugs (most important), so I can go buy the right gaskets and install them right away?

 

[Sierra946]

None of the major auto parts stores had the gaskets/washers for the diffs or transfer case plugs. They're bigger than anything they had. I had to go to Toyota and they had to order some of them.

 

[1blink]

4 18mm gaskets. 2 24mm gaskets. That's for drain and fill plugs, both differentials and the transfer case

 

[1blink]

Oem

 

[threadlessclimber]

Ah yay--I'd recommend changing them out--did my transmission and it ended up costing me another quart of redline MT 90 when I had to pull the plug and put in another.

 

[Doc2012]

Ah yay--I'd recommend changing them out--did my transmission and it ended up costing me another quart of redline MT 90 when I had to pull the plug and put in another.

FWIW, they're not gaskets. They're "crush washers".

And yes. They should be replaced everytime you change the fluids out.

 

[the great him]

dude they are like $1 each probably less, every dealer will have them in stock... and yeah you need to replace them otherwise you will have a weeping leak that will be continual.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

FWIW, they're not gaskets. They're "crush washers".

And yes. They should be replaced everytime you change the fluids out.

I agree that they should be changed, but I didn't get them in time. I replaced all but the front diff fluid without swapping the crush washers. If I get a drip or two, eh, I'll just deal with it.

 

[kball]

Not arguing or saying anyone is wrong but FWIW I've never replaced a crush washer and I've never noticed a leak. As long as the washer doesn't get over torqued and "crushed" out of shape it should be fine to reuse.

 

[Brique]

I did new washers when i did my diffs, but i don't bother when i change my oil. Haven't noticed any serious oil leakage.

 

[jmildoc]

Just go to the dealer and ask them for the crush washers, I think when I got all of them it may have been about $12 dont think you are going to get the right part at a chain store. Only time I go to chain store to buy something is when I already know what it is I am buying, otherwise just go to the dealer.

 

[nevada]

Not arguing or saying anyone is wrong but FWIW I've never replaced a crush washer and I've never noticed a leak. As long as the washer doesn't get over torqued and "crushed" out of shape it should be fine to reuse.

agreed. in the 20ish years ive never one time changed them, and haven't noticed any leaks.

I suppose it would be good practice to do so, to prevent the occasional leak, but so far, so good.

 

[TheDurk]

Just go to the dealer and ask them for the crush washers, I think when I got all of them it may have been about $12 dont think you are going to get the right part at a chain store. Only time I go to chain store to buy something is when I already know what it is I am buying, otherwise just go to the dealer.

Well, I have a NAPA 2 miles away and the stealer is 25 miles and you always have to wait and it's a pain finding a place to park on his lot. Most of the time they have to order anything if I don't call in advance, which is a pain just getting some idiot on the line. I have a pretty long list of NAPA part numbers (for ALL FOUR of the cars I maintain plus my Farmall 140 tractor) and I can check my local guys stock on-line so no need to call. There is always a space right in front and rarely do I wait.

So, no. I prefer my NAPA to the dealer by a long shot. Unfortunately, NAPA has crush washers only for TC and my 5-speed trans. So I stocked up on diff crush washers on my last on-line dealer order. EFF the stinkin' dealer, even if I have bought two great cars there.

I have had crush washers break in two when removing the plug if they have been re-used (by somebody else on a car not maintained by me). This is a drag if you don't have a new one ready for obvious reasons. But they are usually good for ONE re-use if you have to.

 

[jmildoc]

Well, I have a NAPA 2 miles away and the stealer is 25 miles and you always have to wait and it's a pain finding a place to park on his lot. Most of the time they have to order anything if I don't call in advance, which is a pain just getting some idiot on the line. I have a pretty long list of NAPA part numbers (for ALL FOUR of the cars I maintain plus my Farmall 140 tractor) and I can check my local guys stock on-line so no need to call. There is always a space right in front and rarely do I wait.

So, no. I prefer my NAPA to the dealer by a long shot. Unfortunately, NAPA has crush washers only for TC and my 5-speed trans. So I stocked up on diff crush washers on my last on-line dealer order. EFF the stinkin' dealer, even if I have bought two great cars there.

I have had crush washers break in two when removing the plug if they have been re-used (by somebody else on a car not maintained by me). This is a drag if you don't have a new one ready for obvious reasons. But they are usually good for ONE re-use if you have to.

Not to be mean but I was talking to the person who started the original post not to you specifically, maybe his dealer is closer and easier to deal with.

 

[TheDurk]

Not to be mean but I was talking to the person who started the original post not to you specifically, maybe his dealer is closer and easier to deal with.

I hear you. I'm just saying there is no hard and fast rule that dealer is better. We always post to the OP and every person who reads the thread because the subject is of interest to them. At least I do.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Thanks all! I will just monitor it and see if I get any drips. If I do, I'll order some more oil and do a quick swap, hoping not to lose too much fluid.

My local auto-parts store is ~1 mile away. My usual dealer is about 20 min. It's not a huge deal, but I'd be best to call ahead first.