1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Leaky rear seal?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Jc75754, Jun 6, 2020.

  1. Jun 6, 2020 at 3:22 PM
    #1
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    Is it just me or does this look like it’s seeping oil out?
     
  2. Jun 6, 2020 at 3:24 PM
    #2
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    Pic of rear seal

    560E2A6B-4504-4E62-B082-8B010524D4C8.jpg
     
  3. Jun 6, 2020 at 10:51 PM
    #3
    Kanobi13

    Kanobi13 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2018
    Member:
    #13944
    Messages:
    1,259
    Gender:
    Male
    That glare is terrible better pics...
     
  4. Jun 7, 2020 at 12:03 AM
    #4
    Big_Ed

    Big_Ed New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2019
    Member:
    #36140
    Messages:
    88
    Gender:
    Male
    Spring, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra
    I am not a mechanic, but that little bit of stain would not cause me any concern at all.
     
  5. Jun 7, 2020 at 1:23 AM
    #5
    JimboSlice413

    JimboSlice413 Super Nice Guy

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2019
    Member:
    #24486
    Messages:
    1,113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Bakersfield
    Vehicle:
    2016 Limited 4x4, 2003 Sequoia
    Bilstein 5100/5160 Toyo at2 295/70r18 Ray10 GunMetal
    A lot of Tundras are wet around that seal. If its under warranty you can get it fixed. If not, its not really a leak so I wouldn't worry about it
     
  6. Jun 7, 2020 at 3:16 AM
    #6
    tttrdpro

    tttrdpro Former Naval Person

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2019
    Member:
    #31281
    Messages:
    1,186
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    SWGA
    Vehicle:
    2021 Super White TRD Pro
    In progress…
    Your truck is obviously defective. You should get rid of it immediately and buy a Ford.
     
    stuckinohio likes this.
  7. Jun 7, 2020 at 4:02 AM
    #7
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    I’ll get a better pic and thanks for all the replies.
     
  8. Jun 7, 2020 at 4:04 AM
    #8
    Ted4311

    Ted4311 Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2017
    Member:
    #6845
    Messages:
    1,438
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    SOMD
    Vehicle:
    14 Tundra MGM TRD-OFFROAD 4X4
    A LOT... NEVER ENDS
    Hahahaha :rofl:

    Buying a Ford he would dream of this slight/non issue
     
    Black Wolf and tttrdpro[QUOTED] like this.
  9. Jun 7, 2020 at 4:06 AM
    #9
    Ted4311

    Ted4311 Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2017
    Member:
    #6845
    Messages:
    1,438
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    SOMD
    Vehicle:
    14 Tundra MGM TRD-OFFROAD 4X4
    A LOT... NEVER ENDS
    If it were me and trust me I know my limits. A seal of this nature I would attack myself.

    Good reason for some alone time with your truck and a couple of beer ;)
     
  10. Jun 7, 2020 at 4:14 AM
    #10
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

    Joined:
    May 11, 2018
    Member:
    #15231
    Messages:
    3,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited Crewmax - Traded In
    There was a big thread about this around 6 months ago. But the OP was banned and the thread is now gone. It seems like a lot of people had this seepage. Some were saying it’s ok and some were saying it’s the end of the world.

    Toyota replaced my diff with an LSD around 10k and I don’t have any seepage with 27k miles now. Not sure if I never had it or did but didn’t notice and then resealing it fixed it.

    From that thread, if you go in to get it fixed under warranty most Toyota places will just tighten the bolts and say check it after so many miles.
     
    TTund16 and Ted4311 like this.
  11. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:12 AM
    #11
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    So tightening the bolts was successful? I’m not very technical but capable of small stuff. Most technical job I have done is brake job.
     
  12. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:14 AM
    #12
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2019
    Member:
    #26430
    Messages:
    3,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Outside of Weird, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    Lubricant leaks are only a problem when (1) the lubricant volume is diminished to the point where the available lubricant no longer lubricates adequately, i.e. is no longer reducing sliding contact friction between parts, or (2) when the amount of lubricant being leaked causes the owner annoyance at the mess being made in the parking area and on the vehicle itself.

    Neither of those conditions apply in your case: Your rear axle lube appears to be sliding under the carrier sealing material one molecule at a time. :D
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2020
  13. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:17 AM
    #13
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    Little better pics

    B6526610-29A7-489C-9599-251C34F376C3.jpg
    68A5A9AC-89FA-4E91-BF88-D4EBF91590F3.jpg
     
    BTBAKER likes this.
  14. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:18 AM
    #14
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    I might be paranoid. We travel with a camper long distances and I like to try an prevent issues as best I can.
     
  15. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:38 AM
    #15
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2019
    Member:
    #26430
    Messages:
    3,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Outside of Weird, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    I understand your concern.

    I owned a First Gen Toyota 4Runner for 30+ years. It had oil seep traces exactly like that. They appeared, but never worsened to "wetness" during my entire ownership. Frankly, I will be surprised if torqueing the nuts has any effect, but it's worth a try. (Specified torque for the ten carrier nuts is 53 ft-lbf.) Toyota techs know that, but they also know it's not a serious problem, and they go through the motions.

    IF the condition worsens, and I doubt that it will, it will very slowly progress to wetness, then a very slow drip as the wetness accumulates. This will not happen in a thousand miles, more like tens of thousands of miles. You could make a dozen camping trips before an lube leak will grow that much. You'll see drips on your driveway long before you've lost enough lube to seriously reduce lubrication of the rear axle gears.
     
    Jc75754[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  16. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:42 AM
    #16
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    I hear what you're saying about getting a Ford. This truck took us from NC to Utah, across Wolf creek Pass in Colorado (10,000 foot) and back all with a 7,500 lb camper. Can’t express how happy I am with it, we passed countless other trucks on the side of the road of all brands except tundras.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  17. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:43 AM
    #17
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    I really appreciate that info. I can always count on this forum for good advice.
     
    JohnLakeman[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Jun 7, 2020 at 7:37 AM
    #18
    Kanobi13

    Kanobi13 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2018
    Member:
    #13944
    Messages:
    1,259
    Gender:
    Male
    Give it a good cleaning and keep an eye on it.
     
  19. Jun 7, 2020 at 8:29 AM
    #19
    TundraGuy66

    TundraGuy66 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2020
    Member:
    #45668
    Messages:
    104
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mat
    Vehicle:
    2020 Cement Tundra TRD
    And by getting rid of it immediately he means to sell it to me at a very reduced price!:rofl:
     
    tttrdpro[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Jun 7, 2020 at 8:48 AM
    #20
    stuckinohio

    stuckinohio MGM Crue

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2018
    Member:
    #18972
    Messages:
    309
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    oHIo
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Crewmax
    One recommendation i would suggest is check rear diff fluid level. If low-fill / If High-drain. (it looks like some seeped out the vent).
    I would not be shy to change the fluid during this inspection.
    New trucks come with new gears, and while they are "broke in" per say from factory, there are still micro metal shavings created as parts mesh together.
    The fluid change is more to remove metal particulates from oil that were creating as the parts mesh. I change the fluids early at the first interval, then follow Toyota's recommendations after.
    If you own a torque wrench, I would double check and re-torque in a star pattern to spec. (Although i don't know that value off the top of my head)
    This recommendation is not a need or requirement, but may help give you some piece of mind.
    Continue to monitor and if problem persists get Toyota involved.
     
  21. Jun 7, 2020 at 9:41 AM
    #21
    phabej

    phabej New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2018
    Member:
    #20840
    Messages:
    1,106
    Vehicle:
    NO LONGER HAVE A TUNDRA... Waiting
    Yep same shit on my truck

    BS I called Toyota of America and locally and a master tech told me that's normal. They won't fix it or even look at it, not even to clean it off.

    I thought Toyota had the best quality control in the business. Lol my ass .

    Screenshot_20200520-194522.jpg
     
    georgiey22 likes this.
  22. Jun 7, 2020 at 12:02 PM
    #22
    JimboSlice413

    JimboSlice413 Super Nice Guy

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2019
    Member:
    #24486
    Messages:
    1,113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Bakersfield
    Vehicle:
    2016 Limited 4x4, 2003 Sequoia
    Bilstein 5100/5160 Toyo at2 295/70r18 Ray10 GunMetal
    It sucks when you know it's there but it will never cause an issue for the life of the vehicle. There's a thread on this somewhere. Your warranty covers failed gaskets and seals, call Toyota corporate if you're not happy, they're very responsive to warranty issues. My dealer resealed mine, no reason yours shouldn't do the same.
     
  23. Jun 7, 2020 at 1:12 PM
    #23
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    Just out of curiosity seems like there is some disagreement on the oil. I have used 75w85 in the past but others said 75w or 75w90. Any more guidance would be appreciated.
     
  24. Jun 7, 2020 at 2:29 PM
    #24
    phabej

    phabej New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2018
    Member:
    #20840
    Messages:
    1,106
    Vehicle:
    NO LONGER HAVE A TUNDRA... Waiting
    I called them, they said it's normal. Seriously, the local dealership didn't do any better either. The truck has 11k when it started, now it's at 17k. Still over 1yr factory warranty left. I don't want to drive around to multiple dealership just to see who will fix it under warranty.

    This is a defect, whether it's not torque enough, bad seal, or whatever. It's still a defect.
     
  25. Jun 7, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #25
    chugs

    chugs New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2018
    Member:
    #14330
    Messages:
    661
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ciao
    Central Cali
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra Blue Streaker
    Mix it 50/50, concerns resolved lol jk
     
  26. Jun 7, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #26
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2019
    Member:
    #26430
    Messages:
    3,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Outside of Weird, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    You've probably misunderstood why some are saying 75W90. I believe it has more to do with what brand gear oil they want to use.

    Your Gen3 owner manual probably specifies "Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85". But...owners have favorites that they want to use because they can get their brand cheaper, or more easily, or because it's synthetic, e.g. Mobil1 Syn Gear Lube LS 75W-90. Now, OCD owners have a dilemma: Toyota specifies 75W-85, but Mobil1 only comes in 75W-90! Are you going to pay dealer prices for the exact Toyota spec?...Or...Buy Mobil1 synthetic and worry about the slight difference in viscosity spec?

    Answer: I would buy either with confidence according to my preference. Conventional gear oils were previously not multi-vis oils, they were only single weight, like 90W. As lubricants have transitioned to synthetic and synthetic blends, it has become economically feasible to provide multi-vis gear oils. The difference in 75W-85 and 75W-90 is negligible. Both the Toyota TGDGOLT and Mobil1 Syn Gear Lube meet API GL-5 specification.
     
    YardBird likes this.
  27. Jun 7, 2020 at 5:21 PM
    #27
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    That makes a bit more sense
     
  28. Jun 8, 2020 at 6:08 AM
    #28
    blanchard7684

    blanchard7684 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2018
    Member:
    #21856
    Messages:
    879
    Gender:
    Male
    I have same thing on my '19 TRD Pro. Doesn't keep me up at night but it is a bit weird and slightly disappointing. Reason being is that I have had 4 5th gen 4 runners and never ever saw that kind of seepage pattern.

    The pattern suggests to me it may not really be a leak. It could have been some left over lube during assembly that wasn't cleaned off.
     
  29. Jun 8, 2020 at 8:00 AM
    #29
    phabej

    phabej New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2018
    Member:
    #20840
    Messages:
    1,106
    Vehicle:
    NO LONGER HAVE A TUNDRA... Waiting
    probably cause Tundra is assembled in the USA on a Friday! While the other you had were built, assembled and shipped from Japan. Yep, Wikipedia says "All 4Runners have been built at Toyota's Tahara plant at Tahara, Aichi, Japan, or at Hino Motors' Hamura, Japan plant".
     
  30. Jun 8, 2020 at 12:48 PM
    #30
    Jc75754

    Jc75754 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Member:
    #18313
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    When I bought the truck there wasn’t any seeping that I am aware of because I repainted the whole undercarriage. Seriously it’s like I am an old man yelling at clouds constantly, “things aren’t made like used to be!” Only 33btw
     

Products Discussed in

To Top