Shop screwed up and did not refill rear diff. What do I need to keep in mind?

[4flyer]

So, I got the rear axle seal replaced last week and over the weekend, I started getting symptoms of a failing rear diff. Yesterday, I checked the rear diff and there was no differential fluid.

I called the shop this morning and explained what happened. They had their tech admit that they did not refill the rear diff and they paid for a tow truck.

Now that it looks like the shop is taking responsibility and are going to fix the issue, what do I need to keep an eye out for? What parts of the rear axle and diff do I need to make sure are checked and replaced?

Thanks

 

[RandyBobandy]

For the shop to make it right you need a new rear diff, all new pinion bearing, carrier bearings, ring gear, pinion etc. Or an excellent condition used diff that’s been examined and tested by someone who knows what they’re doing. Your current diff is toast, don’t let them put some gear oil in there and tell you it’s fine.

 

[BadTrainDriver]

New diff time, or at least all new diff internals.

 

[JohnMc]

Concur with the above /\ /\ /\.

Nothing at the wheels would have been affected, the bearings there are sealed off from the oil (should be, lol) and use their own grease, not the diff oil.

And inside the diff, pretty much anything and everything could have been damaged. And almost certainly was, if you were getting symptoms already, stuff got dry and fried in there. R&P gears, pinion bearings, diff carrier bearings. Even the spider gears inside the carrier.

Pretty much going to need either a 100% rebuild on the 3rd member, or a good replacement. I'd be leaning toward a replacement.

 

[bmason8159]

That’s a giant fuxk up, definitely new everything and if the shop gives you shit burn them

 

[brillo_76]

Agree with the other users. That 3rd member is done. No gear oil deserves them quickly. Be best to just buy you a new one. Or guaranteed used one.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

 

[Sparky 97Runner]

I'd call ECGS and tell them what happened and let them tell you what you need. They have rebuilt 3rds for under a grand and have a good reputation.

 

[4flyer]

The shop called and said they were replacing the 3rd member with a good used one from a 4runner that has 200,000 miles on it (mine has 250,000). Thoughts?

 

[96RedRunner]

Inspect the 200k 3rd before it is put in check the specs.

 

[T4R2014]

Ask for the VIN of the donor vehicle diff. If they cannot provide that, or a screenshot of the odometer, assume the mileage is even higher. I'd want a rebuild. Used diffs are a crapshoot.

 

[96RedRunner]

The axle seals are toast shop needs to replace both sides.
Used is def a crapshoot I see what shop is doing in this case smoke n mirrors 250k vs 200k. Watch out.

 

[3bears]

i bet the diff is toast and the shop might just be replacing with the cheapest they can find