Rear diff seep/weep

Not my picture, but my diff looks just like this @ 28k miles. You guys think its dealer visit worthy?

No spots under the truck that I can tell but I dont always park in the same spot. Fluid is not coming from the pinion seal, its definitely coming from the housing

Was planning on having them do the diff fluid change @ 30k but if I can get them to fix this, that means I get new fluid for free

edit: I'm an idiot

 

I would say if the dealer say's well its leaking so we have to fix it which would involve drain, fill, and reseal then hell why not???..Dealer might be more apt to do it too if you say I'll pay you to change the fluid in the front differential and transfer case too if you were planning to have them do that anyway. Can't remember if the transfer case oil is recommended to be changed at 30k and don't have my manual handy (and too lazy to find it right this second).

 

Gives me 3rd gen Tacoma vibes. Had same leak/weep 'repaired' 3 times, was somewhat common on the platform.

 

2wd here...my neck of the woods has 2wd friendly curbs...no need for 4x4

Wont lie, think I got this pic from a taco or fj forum, idr. I'm a GM guy so I'm used to good ol 10/12/14 bolt diff covers and handling this kinda stuff on my own. I'm assuming axles have to come out for this repair. Did toyota use a gasket or some sort of rtv on the tacos?

 

Not entirely sure, i think it mightve been a gasket deal. I do know when i went back once, all they did was tighten the nuts from 18ft/lb to 26ft/lb(iirc) and sent me on my way.

 

They have to solve the leak regardless so I would.

 

Becareful what you wish for.

 

This fix is more involved than you may think. In order to get the differential out to put on a new gasket you must take the tires off, remove brake caliper, unbolt slide the axles out and remove the differential, clean both mating surfaces and put it all back together. Unless it's a warranty fix just monitor the gear oil level.
Clean it off with brake cleaner and tighten the two bottom bolts, see if that helps first. If not and you bring it in for service have them use the Toyota red rtv on it instead of the paper gasket, it'll never leak again.