Leaking Diff?

[T4RFool]

I was walking up to 4runner today when I noticed a softball diameter sized pool of fluid under the truck. I naturally crawled under to look and make sure it was mine and saw this:

Any idea what this seal might be called?

 

[nevada]

differential pinion seal.

 

[hurt4x]

yep, rear pinion seal. If you have a good impact they are pretty easy to replace.

unless your pinion bearing going out is what caused the seal to fail, then its not so easy. check for play in the yoke.

 

[T4RFool]

I haven't noticed any strange noises associated with a bearing going out but i know noise isn't always present when they go. I'll probably just have them both done so I don't have to worry about it. I figured it was the pinion seal but I always double check so that when I go to the mechanic I can be sure they aren't throwing me curve balls.

 

[nevada]

I haven't noticed any strange noises associated with a bearing going out but i know noise isn't always present when they go. I'll probably just have them both done so I don't have to worry about it. I figured it was the pinion seal but I always double check so that when I go to the mechanic I can be sure they aren't throwing me curve balls.

changing the seal, and changing the bearing are 2 completely different jobs.

the seal is easy, requires pulling the driveline, and yoke.

the bearing requires pulling the 3rd member, and taking the carrier out.

 

[T4RFool]

In that case I probably wont do the bearing then. I don't think its gone out yet. I checked for movement in the drive shaft and it didn't budge when I tried to move it up and down and side to side. I just figure they were in the same area and if one was to be done then the other might as well be done too.

 

[Dous]

Make sure to get an OEM pinion seal. We have seen aftermarket pinion seals fail in as little as a few days.

 

[T4RFool]

where might one find said OEM pinion seal?

 

[hurt4x]

online or your local stealership

 

[Dous]

Yep

A shop is just going to get a crappy seal form Advanced/Napa

 

[T4RFool]

I appreciate all the helps you guys provide here. I will be getting that replaced soon.