2003 es300
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 11
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From: New Jersey
2003 es300
My 2003 es300 is leaking oil on the front passenger side differential. The leak is coming from between the axle shaft and the seal. Not the larger part where the seal meets the differential housing. I replaced the seal and it's still happening. Can anyone offer any information/ help?
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I got the seal from Lexus. Not sure about any spring. The old seal popped right out with the tool.
I didn't feel any lip or anything for the new seal to butt up to when i put it in. I pressed it to where it was flush with the differential. I'm a little low on fluid and keep adding to maintain the proper level. There's a low hum when I'm driving also
I didn't feel any lip or anything for the new seal to butt up to when i put it in. I pressed it to where it was flush with the differential. I'm a little low on fluid and keep adding to maintain the proper level. There's a low hum when I'm driving also
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 582
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From: CA
You can see it in this pic
I found when putting the seal in, if it's crooked just a little, you will really fight it. If you get it just right, it will go in fairly easy - Ive got it started and almost to final position just by pushing it with my thumbs. Then used short piece of pvc pipe that fits the diameter of outer portion of seal and pushed it (& tap with hammer) flush to case
Also, theres is a Dust Cover 41336-06020 on the CV axle that mates with seal to keep the debris out. Based on your photo, it looks like its missing
looks similar to picture below
It will get trashed if you pry against it to pop the axle out
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Thank you!
the old axle didn't have that dust cover. The new one does. I made the mistake of buying an aftermarket seal. When I went to seat the new one it went all the way into the differential. I just Got an oem one from Toyota. I can't work in until this weekend.
With the OEM seal, redline grease and the proper axle with the dust cover , hopefully will correct the issue. I appreciate your help!! I'll post once it's in. Thank you again!
the old axle didn't have that dust cover. The new one does. I made the mistake of buying an aftermarket seal. When I went to seat the new one it went all the way into the differential. I just Got an oem one from Toyota. I can't work in until this weekend.
With the OEM seal, redline grease and the proper axle with the dust cover , hopefully will correct the issue. I appreciate your help!! I'll post once it's in. Thank you again!
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Ooookay, factory axle seal, recline sticky grease... same result, might actually be leaking more.
The spring on the new seal is in place, seated the seal properly, no burrs or imperfections on the mouth of the differential.
Fluid still leaking from between the axle shaft snd the oart of the seal covered by the dust cover on the axle.
I lost about 2 quarts of trans fluid whe i removed the old axle seal. Dont know where to turn or what to do ??
The spring on the new seal is in place, seated the seal properly, no burrs or imperfections on the mouth of the differential.
Fluid still leaking from between the axle shaft snd the oart of the seal covered by the dust cover on the axle.
I lost about 2 quarts of trans fluid whe i removed the old axle seal. Dont know where to turn or what to do ??
