differential breather

[3p141592654]

I have been having a differential gear oil leak from my left oil seal. I've replaced the seal twice, the second time being very careful to put it in straight. It still leaks.

It is especially bad in the first mile from a cold start, which leads me to believe the differential breather may be plugged. As the cold oil expands the pressure inside the diff rises and gets forced out the seal.

Has anyone had this problem? I haven't looked, but I assume the diff has to come out to get to the breather.

 

[shaeff]

like you, i haven't given a look either, but you could probably change the breather with the differential in the car. it sounds like a legitimate assumption, too. are you sure that the mating surface of the seal didn't get scuffed or marred when you were working on it?

i can definatly see excess pressure in the differential popping a seal, or at least causing it to leak. i'll be out under my car today, and i'll give a look for that breather. not sure when i'll be out there though.

good luck!

-shaeff

 

[KINGPIN33]

Man, I was looking for that breater the longest time... My diff is so rusted that I can't see shittt on it... I saw this stubby looking thing popping out, but no hole, so I thought it was a bolt.

Someone please get a pic to show where it is.

 

[xarewhyayen]

Im assuming you mean the vent. Theres a little metal thing sitting on a nipple right on the top of the diff... im pretty sure the diff has to be removed. If you take off that little metal cap, im sure a good shot of compressed air should clean it out. make sure you put the cap on so you dont get junk inside the pumpkin.

 

[3p141592654]

Thanks for the info everyone. From the EPC it looks like the breather is a pretty standard part across many Toyota's. I think I'll pick up a new one for about $10 and give it a try.

Shaeff, if you do take a look, please let me know if you think its accessible without dropping the pumpkin.