mikedog

Hey everyone! What's the best way to clean the "breather" valve on top of the rear differential? Spray carb cleaner in it and blow air through it or something like that?

I think mine's clogged up because I'm getting gear oil leaking on my back tires again. I replaced both outer rear-axle shaft seals about a year ago and now they're leaking again. Unfortunately, at the time I replaced the axle seals, I wasn't aware of this valve that needs to be cleaned out every so often.

Would it be better just to order a new one from Toyota? I'd hate to clean the old one up and have it get clogged up again. What do these things generally cost at the local stealership?

Thanks.
-mikedog

mtnfreak

Breather cost ~$5. Might as well extend the thing while you're at it? Cost ~another $5. Do a search for this one. As for the seals, isn't there an inner seal on your axle? Wouldn't that one have to go before the outter one would see any fluid? Sure it's not brake fluid? Is the fluid level dropping in the diff (or brake res.)?

mikedog

mtnfreak,

Yeah, I'm real sure it's not brake fluid. When I did the axle seals, I also rebuilt the drum brake piston cylinders. Cleaned out the piston bores and replaced the O-ring seals and all that good stuff. Also, the stuff leaking on my back tires definitely smells like gear oil. I have no fluid loss at my brake reservoir.

I didn't replace the inner axle shaft seals though. I thought you had to remove the rear carrier assembly
from inside the pumkin to access them.

I'm glad the valve is only about $5 or so. It's sure cheaper than what Toyota wants for an (dealer only item) EGR valve ($250+) or a stock 4sp. shifter knob ($80+).

L33T35T 4Runner

hi mike dog

it has nothign to do with your post.. but where from so cal are you?

mikedog

L33T35T,

I'm in the Inland Empire. You're pretty close to the Huntington/Newport beach areas. Man, you are so lucky!