Checks, in order
- Which sealOil on the inside of the wheel and backing plate is the axle shaft seal. Oil on the nose of the diff and the driveshaft is the pinion seal. Before replacing a pinion seal, make sure the diff breather is not plugged; pressure pushes oil past good seals.easy $ · under about $50
- Check the fluidA low differential with a long leak history needs a look inside. Pull the fill plug: milky oil means water, metal means bearings.easy $ · under about $50
- Replace seal, bearing and ABS ring togetherRepeat leaks are usually a worn bearing letting the shaft move. Replace the bearing and seal as a kit and inspect the axle shaft surface for a groove. Shop estimates for an axle seal job run roughly $350–775 per side.hard $$ · about $50 to $500
- Rusted coverIn salt states the stamped cover rusts through at the lower edge. Replace it, clean the mating surface and refill with 75W-85 or 75W-90 GL-5 per your year's manual.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 2nd generation Tundra, 2007 to 2021, with the 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 (most trucks), the 4.6L 1UR-FE (2010–2019) and the 4.7L 2UZ-FE (2007–2009). Engine-specific items say which engine they apply to. Assumes a stock truck.
Tools and parts for these checks
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | Replacing worn or glazed pads | Shop on Amazon |
| Genuine Toyota DOT 3 brake fluid | Flushing old fluid; confirm DOT 3 on your reservoir cap | Shop on Amazon |
| One-person brake bleeder kit | Bleeding air out of the lines | Shop on Amazon |
| Dial indicator with magnetic base | Measuring rotor runout | Shop on Amazon |
Go deeper
More 2nd Gen Tundra problems
- Burning oil smell or smoke from the engine bay after a drive, no puddle on the ground (5.7L) (Engine)
- Check engine light, VSC and 4LO flashing, truck stuck in limp mode (P0418, P2440, P2442, P2445) (Emissions)
- Ticking from the engine on cold start that fades as it warms up (Engine)
- Pink crust or a drip at the front of the engine, coolant level dropping (Cooling)
- Turn the key: one click or nothing, engine does not crank (Starting & Charging)
- Brake booster motor buzzing, sinking or hard pedal, ABS/VSC/TRAC lights (Brakes)
All 10 2nd Gen Tundra symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →
General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.