Hey folks, just bought a 98 Tacoma TRD, and unfortunately I am having some rear end issues.

Aside from the whining noise I hear on deceleration, the Rear Diff Lock light on the dash seems to come on whenever it wants to, and I am afraid that my rear is locking without my willingly engaging it. SO my question is...

Does this light mean the locker is actually engaging even though I am NOT pushing the button, and could this be the cause of the noise in my rear end? Also I found the right axle seal to be leaking, so thus far I suspect a worn out bearing to be the cause of the noise, the question is which one. But I thought perhaps a possible rear diff lock malfunction could be related to the noise. Like I said, a whining on deceleration. Thanks all. Haven't gotten a chance to take it apart though, college gets in the way!

 

No the light does not necessarily mean the diff lock is engaging, I've seen them do that when they malfunction also. If a seal is leaking you are quite possibly running low on oil and destroying your 3rd member. 5 minutes to check or a $200+ part, your call.

 

Yeah, already filled the oil back up, but who knows how long the previous owner was running with it low on oil.

 

Well I finally got around to taking the axles out to change the seals. I took the backing plate off with the axle, and I noticed that it had a little play in it, I could wiggle it where it sits on the axle.

This has me a little worried that the wheel bearings need changing, is this wiggle normal? Also, how would I remove the backing plate from the axle, it seems pretty stuck on there. Thanks.

 

I just went through this with a Ford. My DD Yota has no noticeable play, other Yotas I've owned have. If it's a cone bearing, as in most or all fronts, no play is acceptable, if it is a roller bearing/c-clip aasembly (which I belive yours would be, confirm with FSM) you can have a little play. See final post at https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-video-237698/