Rear Differential Rust & Oil Seepage - buff and cover?

[SUPMRAJ]

Hi All -
I am a newbie with a 2001 4Runner, 131K miles.
I was told recently when having some brake work done, that my rear differential is so rusted, that it's seeping oil. They replaced oil, but suggested that they could buff it down and then weld a piece of metal over it to help stop that seepage.

Any thoughts on this? My concern is that they "buff" it and actually create a hole... but I am not familiar with this hardware at all.

Any opinions would be appreciated!
Many thanks,
~Melissa

 

[BrianSD_42]

They are probably trying to rip you off.

Oil change places are the shadiest of places. They lie to everyone but especially girls/women.

Post a picture and we will help let you know.

 

[MStudt]

Buffing it down and covering it with some metal isn't going to fix the problem. It's simply going to mask the problem. If you cover it, the rusted area will still be there, will most likely keep spreading, just slower.

 

[Yotacollector]

Seeing more and more of this on the New England states 4runners. Blame the salt from the ocean air and the salt used on the roads. I had the same problem on my rear differential and was successfully able to weld a piece in over the bad to stop the leak. Going on three years now! The prep work is the key to how long the repair will last. Find someone who welds rather than an oil change shop to do the repair. Hope this helps

 

[Nelsonmd]

Oh, they probably aren't trying to rip you off. Check out the link in my signature and you will see that I had the same problem, as well as several other guys on here. It is sadly common here in NE.

Welding on a new custom cover is definitely an option, but an expensive one (it'll have to be a custom cover). I would recommend using something like jb weld, or maybe an epoxy based oil pan repair kit or something like that.

If I had my welder back when I was dealing with this, I probably would have pulled the diff out and gone to town on it with the welder, but I got the welder a couple years later.

I managed to source a used, clean axle housing, but that isn't always possible since pretty much all of the new england salvage yards will have other rusted out 4runners.

 

[hambob]

I had the same issue. I drained the diff, wire brushed the area and used jb marine epoxy over a 2" circle. Still holding after 3 months (I got the truck 3 months ago).

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Is try and find a used complete axil or housing on Craig's list from someone parting out a wreck.

And weld only if you can't find a replacement.

Remember the gear ratio needs to be the same.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You should really post a picture.