Diff Leak - Front Diff 02 LX470

[Ronel2020]

I recently purchased a built 02 LX470 from a MUD member. Overall the rig is in good shape, but I am catching up on a little bit of deferred maintenance. The PO put new front axles in a year or so ago. Noticed that the right front seal was leaking. I had a local shop (respected indy Toyota mechanic) replace the seal while they were performing other work (water pump/timing belt/heather Ts). They said that they replaced the seal, but I noticed this weekend that it is still leaking. I have also noticed a little bit of a whine during acceleration that goes away when you let off the throttle. Mechanic says it is most likely the front diff. I may put a rebuild/re-gear on the to do list in the near future. What else should I consider to eliminate the leak and the noise? Does it sound like the font diff needs to be replaced?

The truck has a 3" OME lift (AHC delete) and a Slee diff drop.

Thanks!

 

[roma042987]

If you decide you want to throw a used diff in it I have one for $200 in the classifieds. No noises or leaks.

 

[Ronel2020]

May be good to have as a back up. Let me think about it. I think that I may consider re-gearing to 4.88 if I have to replace the diff though.

 

[camino70]

Have you checked the breather?

 

[Ronel2020]

Have not. I guess if it's blocked/failing, the pressure build up could be causing the leak. Will check that tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[nissanh]

OEM oil seal is the only way to keep oil in.

 

[camino70]

Have not. I guess if it's blocked/failing, the pressure build up could be causing the leak. Will check that tomorrow. Thanks!

Exactly. It's easy to get to the end in the engine compartment.

Diff breather

• camino70
• Aug 27, 2018

 

[Skidoo]

Another thing to check if the CV axle was nicked a new oil seal will not fix it.

 

[bentonrover]

Any other seal leak? My breather caused both axles and front pinion to leak. Change breather axles drip every so often but had to change the pinion. That leak very bad. Wonder if losing oil over time did damage which is now causing the noise. What's the mileage?

 

[Ronel2020]

146000 mi. PO replaced the axles. Mechanic just redid the passengers side seal, where it is leaking (yes - just 1 side is leaking). I'm wondering the same. I'll check the breather, and if that does not stop the leaking, then I guess it's time to save for a new front diff. Just hope i don't have to replace the axle too since it is new.

 

[Ronel2020]

Not the breather. The diff is no longer 'weeping' ... it's sobbing. Not quite uncontrollable sobbing, but it's definitely upset! This morning I found a small puddle under the truck. Guess I'm parking it until I can replace the diff. Good times.

 

[Ronel2020]

Little update on this. I'm still dealing with the leaking diff. Bought a used diff from @cruiserparts. Unfortunately, I have not had time to install. I reached out to a local mechanic and asked for a quote to install the diff, repack the front bearings, and install new seals. They are just over $1000. Anyone have thoughts on the quoted price? Thx.

 

[DTCsk8er]

That seems high for just the labor to install a new front diff and bearing pack.. but that is just my 2c. Ask them how many hours they have quoted.

 

[Ronel2020]

They were around 7 hrs for the diff and the seals and 2.5 hrs for the bearings. I think the rest is parts. I believe the mechanic (LexTech in Charleston) charges $100 per hour, but I am not positive.

 

[gatormark91]

Little update on this. I'm still dealing with the leaking diff. Bought a used diff from @cruiserparts. Unfortunately, I have not had time to install. I reached out to a local mechanic and asked for a quote to install the diff, repack the front bearings, and install new seals. They are just over $1000. Anyone have thoughts on the quoted price? Thx.

If the seal is installed ight, it shouldn't leak. The factory seals go 10, 15 years, more. They likely drove the seal in too deep. And while you could have a bad diff, low gear oil will make things noisy, too.

 

[Ronel2020]

Thx. I've added oil several times. The seal was originally replaced by the PO. I also had it replaced when I first bought the truck. And it's still leaking and getting worse. The mechanic that replaced the seal diagnosed the diff at the time. Based upon the noise I am hearing, it is a matter of time until it goes out. The mechanic is a reputable toyota guy here in Charleston. I'm certain he is little more expensive than others, but I can't find the time to do it myself ... and I'm driving it too much to ignore. FWIW, I bought the LX as a 2nd car. I've enjoyed it so much, I sold my Tundra and made this my DD for a little while.

 

[Ronel2020]

Update on this - I had the front diff replaced. The noise was definitely the old diff. It is much quieter now. However, the leak at the right axle is still present. The PO replaced the axles in last 15K miles. The mechanic replaced the seals when they replaced the diff. What else should I check?

To add a little more ... I just sent a text to PO. He did used rebuilt axles, so maybe we found the culprit ...