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Front Diff oil coming from breathers?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by vst, Jan 13, 2024.

  1. Jan 13, 2024 at 5:54 PM
    #1
    vst

    vst [OP] New Member

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    Hey guys I was doing an oil change today and noticed some fluid on the frame and axle on the driver side and it looks to be coming from what I think are breathers ill attach a photo they are circled in red. Has anyone had this issue before why would Diff fluid be coming out of the breathers? I did touch the fluid and smell it and it definitely smells like diff fluid. Thanks

    IMG_6478.jpg
     
  2. Jan 13, 2024 at 6:01 PM
    #2
    ToyotaDude

    ToyotaDude Member

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    Are your axle seals leaking at the diff too?
     
  3. Jan 13, 2024 at 6:14 PM
    #3
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, SSEM #5/25, 6 lug enthusiast

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    That frame!?
     
    FirstGenVol and whodatschrome like this.
  4. Jan 13, 2024 at 6:14 PM
    #4
    vst

    vst [OP] New Member

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    no I checked the seals axles on both sides they are clean and dry
     
  5. Jan 13, 2024 at 6:17 PM
    #5
    vst

    vst [OP] New Member

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    After looking at the picture I went to check and its not a hole in the frame lol just weird lighting in the picture I guess
     
  6. Jan 13, 2024 at 6:43 PM
    #6
    ToyotaDude

    ToyotaDude Member

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    Had been researching diff breather and oil seal leak issues (potentially related to breather plugging that doesn't sound like your problem if the breathers are leaking). But others talk about your issue happening for various issues such as cold each winter (likely increasing oil thickness so it doesn't drain back down the tube?), overfilling, and driving inclines. Did you change the front diff oil recently or drive steep terrain or is it really cold where you are now? Looks like it might be in single digits for you?
     
  7. Jan 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM
    #7
    bfunke

    bfunke Tundra Curmudgeon

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    Did you submerge it in water? If there is water in the diff oil will float to the top. May want to change your oil and be sure to fill correct amount
     
  8. Jan 13, 2024 at 7:51 PM
    #8
    vst

    vst [OP] New Member

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    Yeah I started researching more seems like a lot of people start having the issue when its cold and it has been below freezing here pretty often in the mornings
     
  9. Jan 13, 2024 at 8:58 PM
    #9
    Paxmanhp

    Paxmanhp New Member

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    A little oil never hurts, keeps the rust away.
     
    vst[OP] and Mr Badwrench like this.
  10. Jan 13, 2024 at 9:20 PM
    #10
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

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    300 hectares on single tank of kerosene
    I think they all leak. I've had tacomas and tundras and they seeped on both, but no seal leaks. My 2001 tundra looks like the pictures you have attached and I haven't had any issues.
     
    vst[OP] likes this.

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