1994 Toyota Landcruiser Leaking front differential

1994 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER
248,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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STEINITZ
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Leak has been repaired twice (replacing lots of parts first time and yoke and pinion seal on second pass) but has come back again. What should be checked or tested to determine cause? Drive shaft? U-joint? Correct tolerances in case not done correctly before? Does it make sense to go back to same mechanic for a third pass?
Sep 30, 2010 at 4:53 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

thank you for the donation'

Check the simple things first, often this can be as simple as a blocked breather, if it is blocked pressure builds up and oil will leak past seals, also ensure that the correct oil level in set, to high and it will also be prone to a leak.

mark (mhpautos)
Oct 1, 2010 at 3:44 AM
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STEINITZ
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Will check breather. How likely is drive shaft as a cause? I have gotten conflicting opinions. Is it possible to overfill since the filler hole is on the side and overflows when filled?
Oct 1, 2010 at 10:04 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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You can get a leak if the seal surface is grooved by a hard seal, this will cause the new seal to run with less sealing pressure, with the oil full, allow it to stop running from the filler plug.

mark (mhpautos)
Oct 1, 2010 at 10:22 AM
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STEINITZ
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OK. Now what about the drive shaft? Is it worth taking it off and having it checked? The car does not have a vibration problem.

Thanks.
Oct 1, 2010 at 1:03 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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the drive shaft will not be a problem here, it will be seal related.

Mark (mhpautos)
Oct 1, 2010 at 7:34 PM
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STEINITZ
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Mechanic discovered prior seal (installed with new yoke) was deformed, possibly in manufacture or shipment, and was replaced with new and carefully examined seal. No additional charge. Breather was OK but had NOT been checked last time.

Thanks for the help. Keep the $20.
Oct 6, 2010 at 10:49 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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Good result, thank you for using 2carpros, your feedback is always welcome.

Mark (mhpautos)
Oct 6, 2010 at 4:03 PM
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