Just wondering if the majority of people who have had the rear axle seal leak were running regular or synthetic diff fluid.

 

Good idea for a poll. What weight gear oil and brand might be helpful as well (i.e. Mobil1 comes in only 75-90).

 

More time than not, while repairing a rear axle seal leak on these rigs, I have found someone installed the seal poorly, or the retainer ring was not set to the correct depth. I think it is a poor design and prone for error. But I have only had dealings with a hand full of these problems.

Jay

 

You could be right Jay. The guys who did mine told me that whoever did it last basically jammed the inner seal in, which is why it probably leaked. They think it will be fine now, I'm hoping their right.

 

I had mine fixed at the yota dealer. They recommended to replace the rear brakes as they had contact with oil. I didn't do it and have not noticed any difference in breaking (2 years ago).

 

I've used both reg and synthetic gear oil and in 12 years no leaks.

 

how hard was it to do the rear axle seal ? somewhat a backyard mechnic...did some work on my dd civic...suspension upgrade, install new header..and basic tune up, brake pad replacement.

 

Oil Seal Replacement

Doesn't take long, I did both of mine in under two hours last weekend, drinking lots of beer along the way.

There are inner and outer seals. Leaking diff fluid means the inner seal has failed.

Don't bother removing the brake drum.
Use a golf tee, pencil or other small sharpened stick to plug the hydraulic brake line.

 

or, just use a pair of vice grips and crip the soft line above the rear axle before you disconnet them...

 

Since I regeared I have been using synthetic. I had a rear axle seal leak about 3 weeks ago at 116K miles. I was not surprised. It seemed like it was time for that to happen with its age and large tires, regearing, etc. I was told by many people to expect a seal leak sometime above 100K.