I have a 3rd gen runner and recently noticed some vibration that seems to be coming from the front. It's mainly at speeds of 50mph+ and more pronounced when I let off the gas. So, I checked the front diff, there wasn't much fluid so I drained and replaced it with synthetic. Once I did this, I noticed that there are leaks on both sides of the diff. Where the left axle meets the diff and where the right one meets that "intermediate" shaft. Are there seals in the front diff that need to be replaced??? I searched the forums about this and couldn't find a solid answer for a 3rd gen.

I also noticed that the inner boots of both CVs have a lot of caked up grease/gunk, but I can see no tears...I'm not sure is the gunk is from the diff fluid or if the grease in the cv boots can get out even though there are no tears???

Any help is greatly appreciated...

 

Yep, there are seals that will need to be replaced if you are leaking. My CVs have some caked up grease as well. I think this is normal as long as it's not a huge amount. And it's probably grease, not gear oil, if it is caked up.

 

hmm so this can happen even though the boots are attached correctly without cracks? hmm?

 

Yeah, it's not nearly as bad now that I have zip tied the ends of the boots. But they will still throw a little bit of grease.

 

Replacing those front diff seals shouldn't be too difficult (once the axles are out of course) should it?