LC 100 diff leak just 10 hrs before big trip - fixed on the road

[pascumeister]

Hey guys,


Thought I’d share this because it almost killed our Carpathian Winter Challenge trip before it even started.

I was getting my Toyota Land Cruiser 100 ready for a 3-day mountain run – mud, snow, steep climbs – and during a final test drive I noticed a proper diff leak

Trip was 10 hours away.

Initially I assumed axle seal… but after digging in, it turned out to be something much simpler (and much cheaper). The seal was a bit f-ed but ended up fixing it roadside with $2.

I documented the whole process — diagnosis, what I checked first, what I ruled out, and what actually fixed it.
The video is more cinematic than how-to but the whole experience really had me getting my panties in a bunch.

If anyone’s chasing a mysterious diff leak, this might save you some time (and unnecessary seal replacements):



I'm planning to document all work on this car so more videos coming soon. The to-do list for it is... endless. I say that with all the love

Alex

 

[Bisho]

Nice video. Diff Breather should be step one to check on a leaking diff, but funny how often it happens after you do other maintenance to get you running down a rabbit trail.

 

[pascumeister]

Nice video. Diff Breather should be step one to check on a leaking diff, but funny how often it happens after you do other maintenance to get you running down a rabbit trail.

yep, felt like an idiot for not checking the breather sooner - you live and you learn

 

[hoser]

It's possible to remove the CV/Drive Axle with just unfastening the upper ball joint, brake caliper and ABS sensor. Lower balljoint and tie rod can remain fastened. You don't have to risk damaging those boots.

 

[Super77]

@pascumeister everything about your video production, location, and rig is ... SO MUCH WIN.

 

[Mrpizza]

The to-do list for it is... endless.

Agreed. I went out to check for loose plugs with a recent tick noise and saw my radiator is leaking, 7 of 8 coils cracked, on top of all the other crap I need to fix!

 

[Aracobuilt]

I agree about the endless to do list. I let it grow too much last year and the previous year. By the time I'd cross one thing off the list two to three new items would appear. This month I have been aggressively tackling the list and crossing them out. Hopefully the truck with be 95% in a month or two.

 

[pascumeister]

It's possible to remove the CV/Drive Axle with just unfastening the upper ball joint, brake caliper and ABS sensor. Lower balljoint and tie rod can remain fastened. You don't have to risk damaging those boots.

Tried that and there's no where near enough space.
Not even close

I agree about the endless to do list. I let it grow too much last year and the previous year. By the time I'd cross one thing off the list two to three new items would appear. This month I have been aggressively tackling the list and crossing them out. Hopefully the truck with be 95% in a month or two.

You should see my shopping list for this car

@pascumeister everything about your video production, location, and rig is ... SO MUCH WIN.

Thanks man!
The location is definitely not a win though, too many pigeons flying above and dropping bombs

 

[hoser]

Tried that and there's no where near enough space.
Not even close

I've personally done it several times. If you need the LCA to drop down further, you can unbolt the lower shock mount. If you need to remove the outer tie road end, you can also just unbolt the steering arm from behind the knuckle.

Chowcares is on here but I don't know his screen name.... showing removing CV:


Installing CV:

 

[SmoothLC]

cc @Jim_Chow this you?