Rear differential is leaking

is anybody having a rear differential leakage? What can I do to be able to inspect the leak and replace some other parts if necessary and how should I be concerned if so

 

First off, you need to inspect as you stated to see where the leak is coming from; we are not in front of your truck like you are.

If you can't, pressure wash any stubborn dirt and crap, then de-greaser, and clean as needed.

Then, look for signs of leaking.

Do this first before attempting to throw parts and speculation.

Easiest thing to check out is the diff breather for starters if you decide to ignore the above advice.

 

Is it dripping oil onto the ground? Or is just showing some dampness around the housing? Got any pics of this 'leak'?

 

Copy that thank you ill post some pictures

 

It’s kind of both but sometimes leaks, but sometimes it’s a small drip on the bolt where drain plug it also seems dumbs too

 

I can't tell anything from those pictures other than the drain plug doesn't look to be original.
To be honest, that looks like a mess. I'd clean it all off with parts cleaner and reassess in a few days.

 

Yep all you can do is clean before trying to speculate.

Best thing you could ask on here is what others have used successfully to clean their rear diff.

I just used a cheap brush (meant for either dishes or clothes I forget) with thick bristles, and simple green (concentrate).



And yes, this thing was completely caked in grease, mud, etc.

Ignore the wet spots as that was after cleaning and hosing it down.

 

This is a little bit of old pictures. Let me get a fresh one.

 

You're literally asking strangers to diagnose for you when you really need to clean it

 

Ok I’ll do I’ll get back to you asap

 

We're all here to help you my dude, but it'll mean the difference between saying your drain bolts are the issue, clogged diff breather, or worse, an axle seal.

 

I have change the oil a while ago and new drain plugs I have put, but it seems still kind of leak from the top, but is it very concerned or the back cover can be open at all

 

It looks like you're already going with the JB weld approach on the diff cover... I doubt that'll hold if there is an active leak. You'd have to drain the fluid (if it's new, save and reuse it), clean the surface (wire wheel the rust off, degrease, finish clean with acetone), reapply the jb weld, wait for it to cure, and then refill.

Anyway, few things:

I hope by "top" you mean the fill plug, and that you haven't completely filled the diff via the breather plug. The gear oil level in the diff should be at the bottom edge of the fill plug. If you open the fill plug, and oil comes out- it's overfilled.

Those don't look like OEM plugs. Are you sure they are the correct thread and that they have the proper crush washers on them? You would have leaks if either of those things were incorrect.

Finally, Doorman makes a replacement weld on diff cover, but you would have to cut off the existing cover (with an angle grinder) which is a process in itself as the brake line is very close, and then weld on a new cover.

 

Would you mind sending me all the Dorman covers or seals or parts? Whatever you think of that works for but I definitely didn’t put maybe the crush washer but it seems I filled it enough oil but it’s been leaking like a small leak I guess but what’s the process look like is it a really Hard or should I be concerned when I tackle this project?

 

You know...based on his reply you just mind fucked him and prevented him from just cleaning up his rear diff because he's speculating even more now

 

I got it I’ll put some fresh pics thx anyway my apologies

 

A thorough cleaning and new pictures a short time later is going to answer almost all of your questions and very quickly, and then the experts in here will zero in on the cause(s) and respond with the remedies. Simple Green is a good start if you don't want to breathe brake cleaner fumes. I'd put some cardboard down no matter what you use.

I did this a few times investigating for possible leaks when I first got my truck. One on the bottom rear of the transmission case had me especially worried. I cleaned the area with engine-clean spray and 25,000 miles later the areas are still dry. When I changed the fluid in my diffs and transfer case I cleaned up the normal mess and checked it a few days later: no leaks, no seepage: bone dry, and have only checked them one time since.

 

The replacement doorman cover is not an easy job, as I mentioned- it involves cutting the existing cover off, and welding a new one on:
1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma Differential Cover - Dorman 926-993 - Rear - PartsGeek.com

Before you buy anything, you need to do what the others mentioned, and clean things up first.

 

You know most of use here bought a truck with the diff like that.

Most that dont want it fail will clean it up and paint it to prevent further rust damage to the gasket surfaces.

If the leak isnt obvious after its cleaned, then get a UV dye kit.

Could be as simple as one of the crush washers is fouled...

Before I'd ever weld it shut.......I'd try the rtv route first...


Last time I checked a reman 3rd member was going for $1200~$1500, and thats if you can even get it for your year/model....

So yeah you definitely want to take care of these. Change the fluid before it becomes abrasive to the seals