Rear axle leak

[TrailRunnin14]

Just trying to get peoples opinion before I tear into this soon. I was rotating my tires this morning on my 2014 4Runner. I have just over 121,000 miles on it. I noticed some fluid on my rear driver side brake dust shield and just a little bit on the caliper and rotor. Could I get some advice on this before I tear into it. Am I looking at inner, outer seal replacement and also a new bearing? Am I also looking at new rear pads? Trying to get ahead of the game before I get into it and what parts I might need ahead of time.

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[<<<<]

Are you certain that is not brake fluid?

 

[TrailRunnin14]

Well I thought about that.


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[harper7]

Check your rear diff breather . They have been know to rust shut and the pressure can/will push gear oil out the weakest seal. You can take it off and see if it's working.


I just did my rear seals on my 3rd gen last fall at 250k miles ,same axle design. Usually the rear bearings get worn and the extra side to side play causes the seal to leak so I replaced the bearings too . But you are relatively low miles for rear bearing to go bad though. But what can happen is the gear oil washes out the thicker ball bearing lube and then the bearing will fail prematurely.

 

[catrains]

The rear diff vent is on the rear gear box !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now many have to move that rear diff vent up to the gasoline tank door port ...

my 2000 silverado OEM has the rear vent in the gas tank fill pipe area ...
also if you look up your gear box oil well if its dirty then the seals will break down and cost a lot of work or $$$....

see if the vent is corroded and not venting ..

 

[Glenn Goodlett]

The smell should give it away as to whether it's brake fluid or gear oil.

 

[TrailRunnin14]

Smells like diff oil. I was just surprised to see it at low mileage.


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[TrailRunnin14]

If it’s the rear diff breather, is that something that can replaced on its on or is there still an issue with the seals?


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[rdruss]

Yes, replaceable in about 1-2 minutes. But just twist the top back and forth to see if it is free, it should fit loosely to the base. If it is loose then it is probably ok.

 

[TrailRunnin14]

Yes, replaceable in about 1-2 minutes. But just twist the top back and forth to see if it is free, it should fit loosely to the base. If it is loose then it is probably ok.

It’s loose, I looked at that yesterday. I’m pretty sure I’ll be tearing into the axle because it’s definitely diff fluid. I’ll update when I find out more. Thanks!


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[1000MPH]

Probably gonna need new parking brake shoes. Would love it if you took some pics ‘n stuff.
There’s a couple vids on YouTube I’ve seen but can’t remember if they’re any good.
Toyota Tacoma Rear Axle Oil Seal Replacement - YouTube
How To Replace Axle Seals On Toyota FJ Cruiser!! Part 1 - YouTube

 

[1000MPH]

Oh…and this is a TSB on the diff breather.
And a vid…
This should be a scheduled maintenance item!! The often overlooked Diff and Transfer Case Vents! - YouTube

 

[CutthroatSlam]

The lip on those rotors, they look done.

 

[Ascole]

Had this happen on my 2011 but the diff breather was rusted shut. Replaced the seals, brake pads and diff fluid but couldn’t replace the bearings as I was told it was extremely difficult and couldn’t find anywhere that had the ability to do it.
This was about 50k miles ago and haven’t had any issues with the original bearing.


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