I have a '98 Tacoma 4x4 2.7 3rz. A few days ago I noticed a leak from the driver's side of my front differential. After much scouring of the internet and discussion with my mech, it was determined to be a leaking oil seal.

So I am at the stage where I should be pulling out the seal from the differential only to find that I am not able to do so. I am not trying to maintain the integrity of the seal and I don't have a seal puller, so i have tried pry it out with a couple of different screw drivers, pull it out with my hand break it free with a brass drift, but it just won't budge.

Is this normal? If so, does anyone have any advice for getting it out? I've never done this so I'm not sure what I should be expecting and what is out of the ordinary.

 

sometimes they are in there good, sometimes i have used a large flat head and lay it inside one part of the seal and then with a hammer and tapped on the handle to pop it out, second one i have dont is to use a screw driver and hammer and just beet it tell it came out, i wouldnt worry about tring to save the seal u will have to replace it since its leaking anyways.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll give it another shot and maybe try knocking the diff around a little with a rubber mallet. I'm not trying to keep the seal, I've got a new one to install.

 

Couple of minutes with a crowbar and it came right out. Guess it just had to sit overnight.

 

or just needed a little more power behind it to get it out, nice job.