Leaking front differential (1998)

[Jenn]

I have a 1998 4Runner, V6 with just over 130,000 miles. Took it in for an oil change last weekend (quick-change type place). I'm used to the oil change guys dropping the filter in the pan underneath and expect a little oil "leakage" for a day or two after, but this time the leaking was excessive and did not stop. Took the truck back this weekend and they told me the front differential was leaking. Don't know much about the differential and don't know what to think. The leakage is definitely oil (not transmission fluid or brake fluid) and the engine oil level is dropping too.

How can I tell if they're right (as opposed to just not seating the oil plug or filter right)?

If they are right, is there anything they could have done to cause this? It did not leak anything at all, EVER, prior to this visit.

If they are right, how much does it cost to have fixed?

Thanks in advance,
Jenn

 

[Billf6531]

It's leaking oil from the crankcase if the engine oil level is dropping. They did something wrong - didn't tighten the oil filter or plug enough, or too tight and crushed the seal.

Put enough oil in to top it off and take it to a Toyota dealer. Toyota dealers in my area take off the pan on Gen 3s at each oil change, and there's never any leakage. Dealer pricing on oil changes is competitive, and they do so many, they do it right much more frequently.

Never use a 'quick-change' place. Those people are idiots. Last week they delivered pizza, and this week they think they're mechanics.