Diff seal/transmission gasket query

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EviLClouD

266 posts

Ultimate Geek

#306327 13-Jul-2023 10:18

Hi there,

I need to replace the left side differential seal as it’s leaking. This will be done by a mechanic/workshop. Would it be good practice to replace the right side seal at the same time? I assume since its already apart it won’t take much more effort to swap out the right seal?

Secondly the transmission pan gasket needs replacing as that also has a leak. Would the transmission fluid need to be replaced with this?

Thanks in advance

Ge0rge

2056 posts

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#3103590 13-Jul-2023 10:58

Front or rear diff?

There is a decent amount of fluid held in the transmission pan, but it is certainly not all of it - a good chunk is still in the lines, any cooler and in the torque converter. Most mechanics would just top the fluid back up once reassembled. If you want the fluid changed, that's often a whole different operation, utilising specialist equipment.

EviLClouD

266 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3103608 13-Jul-2023 11:13

Ge0rge: Front or rear diff?

There is a decent amount of fluid held in the transmission pan, but it is certainly not all of it - a good chunk is still in the lines, any cooler and in the torque converter. Most mechanics would just top the fluid back up once reassembled. If you want the fluid changed, that's often a whole different operation, utilising specialist equipment.

Thank you!

Umm not too sure i assume rear?
The quote said ‘left hand side differential axle seal is leaking’

Ge0rge

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#3103617 13-Jul-2023 11:27

What make and model car?

EviLClouD

266 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3103620 13-Jul-2023 11:37

Toyota Altezza

Ge0rge

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#3103623 13-Jul-2023 11:41

Ok, so rear diff. Yeah, probably worth doing both seals if the diff is coming out. Fronts often don't need to come out to do seals and it's a bit more work (read cost) to be doing both sides.

EviLClouD

266 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3103626 13-Jul-2023 11:49

Cool thank you, appreciate your help!

tweake

2393 posts

Uber Geek

#3103638 13-Jul-2023 12:54

if the diff comes out, give it a basic check over as well. not sure with this particular diff but a lot of them will get a bit loose with age/use and well worth just tightening it up a tad back into spec.

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Senecio

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#3103640 13-Jul-2023 12:59

The Diff may not be coming out just replace a seal. It can be done by removing the offending drive shaft only. However, if it does the as above probably best to also refresh the mounting bushes.

EviLClouD

266 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3103646 13-Jul-2023 13:19

Cool thanks. What about the transmission filter? Would it easier to replace that at the same time when doing the pan gasket or is that located somewhere else?

tweake

2393 posts

Uber Geek

#3103648 13-Jul-2023 13:29

how long since last trans service? if its been a while maybe just do a full service. otherwise just drop the pan and replace the seal. filter is a maybe depending on use and length of time.

EviLClouD

266 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3103652 13-Jul-2023 13:50

tweake:
how long since last trans service? if its been a while maybe just do a full service. otherwise just drop the pan and replace the seal. filter is a maybe depending on use and length of time.

Not sure about a service per se but the trans oil and diff oil were replaced in Jan 22, approx 15,000k’s ago.
I actually can’t find when the trans filter was last done so it may be overdue?

It looks like the trans filter is located away from the transmission pan so there may not be much cost savings doing it at the same time?