As you can see, this is my first post. I'm not sure what section this should go under, so I appologize if it's in the wrong place. My rear differential gasket is leaking. I work at an Autozone and we cannot order the gasket. I can't find it any place online either. Do you think it would be ok if I sealed it really good with some silicone or would I have to get the gasket from a Lexus dealership?? Also after normal driving the car smells hot, could the leaking diff. gasket be the source?? Thank you for any help.

 

Some gaskets are made of paste "FIPG". First call Lexus dealership--parts and find out what is the reccomended solution. Fipg or the gasket can be ordered through the dealer. Just prepare in advance and get the torque information at hand.

If oil is not sealed, then you will get fumes from it inside. It is a stretch for differential fumes to get in the cabin, but it can happen. Check for other leaks. Hoses may be craked and if the crack is above the liquid line then you only get the smell/fumes and no drips.

Salim

 

which gasket or seal do you refer to?

front pinion seal (driveshaft end) & 2 axle seals - dealer.
the rear cover is sealant (RTV) there is no 'gasket'
but highly recommend toyota fipg (fit in place gasket)
toyotas "RTV" rules.

 

The rear cover gasket. I asked one of my bosses at Autozone what to use and he told me to use RTV Silicone. I got some of that, but doing the rear cover looks to be quite a job. Anyone ever done it??

 

No, its fairly simple, getting the diff down is a little work, but still not hard by any means. Basically its just a few bolts on the driveshaft/axles, then the 4 bolts on the back of the diff and it drops right down. Then its just 8 bolts on the cover. Clean it up, reseal and reassemble. Given this sounds like it might be your first project, so I'd say roughly 4 hrs.....an experienced person could have it done in an hour or so.

 

Also the bolts are metric allen' s, (axles & horizontal mounting bolts) you may want to check
that you have the sockets before you dive in. Forget the sizes....8MM & 12mm ???? they're BIG.

Anyone else remember for sure?

 

The axles are 10mm and the horizontal bolts are 12mm and I actually use a hex wrench w/ an old SOHC as a breaker bar....though I really should get the allens that are on a socket base.