Are crush washers NEEDED for Diff and Transfer fluid change?

I went to Toyota to get the needed crush washers to do my front and rear differential along with my transfer case.

The parts guy came back with 3 crush washers.
1 regular looking thin washer ( not sure what it is?)
And 2 big Copper washers.

This didn't look right to me. And I even questioned him about it.
He assured me it was the right parts. And I took his word.
After all he works for Toyota and is looking right at the computer in the Toyota Dealership.

After looking up at the How-To on the fluid change I can see I only need 1
copper washer. At this point I am about to say screw it and just reuse the old washers.

What's the chances I'll develop a leak if I do this?

For the record. I have never used a new washer on my oil pan.
And so far all is good. No leaks YET.

 

I replace mine every second change, unless they looked damaged. I keep extras in the garage. For me I think torquing them properly is more important in keeping it from leaking. I only replace them to be sure, it's only a few $'s every 30000.

 

Some people change washers with every oil change but I've found it unnecessary most of the time. I've yet to change any washers in my '06 and it has never had a leak. In my '87 that I had nearly twenty years I bought an oil pan washer once, not because it was leaking but because someone mentioned that I should. I found that washer the other day going through a box in the garage -- I never put it on and never had a leak. Either my '87 differentials and transfer case didn't come with washers or I didn't notice them, I never put a new one on and never had a leak.

On some vehicles washers may be needed though. My Dad's Lincoln has dripped oil since he last had it serviced. It's too low for me to crawl under and check but I'm hoping that the service tech just forgot a washer (or maybe doubled up on them) versus stripping out the drain plug threads.

 

1980 has a great point . In all honesty , I dont remember the last time I replaced a crush washer when changing any of the fluids on any motor or diff / transmission / transfer case and I have done well over a thousand services to customers vehicles .With this said , its not usually mentioned on a forum becuase it would steer new members to beleive that crush washers are not needed. A well seasoned technician can usually determine if the seal will leak as the bolt is being torqued . Silicone is a mans best friend for lazy threads.

 

On the subject of Oil Pan drain plug washers [that was the subject at one point right?], I've never bought a new vehicle that ever had one.

Neither of my new Tacoma's had one either. But I do add them at the first oil change.

I can't add anything about the diff washers - sorry.

 

OP,
Front Diff: the fill plug uses the crush washer, the drain plug uses the large copper washer.

Transmission: fill and drain plugs both use that flat aluminum washer.

Transfer Case: fill and drain plugs both use that flat aluminum washer.

Rear Diff: fill and drain plugs both use the crush washer.

Post back if you need actual part numbers.

 

No, I don't the part numbers. But thanks for asking.
And Thanks for the info on where each goes.

Here is what I plan to do.
I will reuse the fill plug washer on the transfer case.
I only got 1 aluminum washer.

By the time go back to Toyota
and get the washer I'll have over $15.00 in washers.
$13.03 for 6 washer, not counting my time or gas to get them.

 

What are the torque specs for these?

Fr, Rr, T/C, Trans?

 

If it drips replace it, my moms Corolla has 230,000 miles on it so after removing and torquing numerous times I bought a new one because it because beveled. I splurged on the 50 cents

 

Front Diff: Fill - 29 ft.lbs; Drain - 48 ft.lbs.
Rear Diff: Fill - 36 ft.lbs; Drain - 36 ft. lbs.

Manual Transmission: Fill - 27 ft.lbs; Drain - 27 ft. lbs.

Automatic Transmission (A340): Oil Filler Tube - 8.9 ft.lbs; Drain - 15 ft.lbs.
Automatic Transmission (A750): Fill - 29 ft.lbs; Drain - 21 ft.lbs.

Transfer Case: Fill - 27 ft.lbs; Drain - 27 ft. lbs.

 

Here's a good write-up.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/24545-changing-differential-fluid-step-step-how.html

 

I didn't used to change them until one day I stripped the threads on the oild drain. For all the cost, I now change it every time and carefully torque it. Your less likely to over torque it with a new washer.

 

No. I haven't had crush washers on front diff, transfer case, rear diff and oil pan for 20 years on four different Toyota trucks. No leaks.

 

I could use the part numbers!!

 

Here ya go:

- Large copper washer for front diff drain plug:

$3 90430-24003 Front Differential Drain Plug Gasket

90430-24003

- Crush washers for front diff fill, rear diff fill an rear diff drain:

$14 12157-10010 Toyota Oil Drain Plug Crushable Steel Gaskets Set of 10 OEM 12157-10010

12157-10010

- Aluminum flat washers for transfer drain and fill, and transmission drain and fill:
90430-A0003. << Edit: part no. has changed this is new part number.

 

My rear drain plug doesn't have a washer. I noticed it laying on the ground after I filled the diff. It has 5K miles with no leaks. I'll try to remember to put it on in a year when I change the fluid again.

 

I always change them.

 

If you're only draining the rear differential and need to replace that washer, you can use the following part available at O'Reilley's and other mass marketers:

Dorman 095-149. AutoZone's part number is 095149

You can cross reference OEM numbers with others at this site:

http://www.autopartoo.com/

 

Sorry to dig up a old post, but about to do both difs, transmission and T case. I looked up the above part numbers and the first number says not compatible with my truck??? 95 Tacoma 3.4? I can't believe it would be a big deal or difference but want to make sure...

 

Welcome to TW, Jake!

Those are/were correct part numbers for both your 1st Gen and our 2nd Gen Tacomas. Note, however, that you posted in the 2nd Gen discussion area. While these part numbers are interchangeable for our vehicles, others are not. Most of your questions will be better answered in the 1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004) area. (FWIW, I answered your specific question several years ago when I had my '04.)

Having just done this service last week, I discovered part #90430-18008 has been discontinued/replaced by #90430-A0003. All other part numbers listed were still valid and pricing remained similar.