Genuine Toyota Highlander Differential Seal

Toyota Highlander Differential Seal Parts Questions & Answers

• SLINGER, Drive PINIO
  41214-20020
  Q: How should you go about replacing the pinion seal and driveaxle oil seals in a Lexus RX350 and Toyota Highlander's rear differential?

  A: Raise the rear of the vehicle, support it securely on jackstands, block the front wheels, and place the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the pinion flange and unbolt the driveshaft, suspending it with wire to prevent stress on the center bearing. Using a hammer and punch, unstake the pinion flange nut. To prevent the companion flange from moving while loosening the self-locking pinion nut, use a flange holding tool or a chain wrench. Remove the pinion nut. Withdraw the flange, and if necessary, use a two-jaw puller to assist. Avoid prying or hammering behind the flange or on the pinion shaft end. Discard the old seal after prying it out. During installation, lubricate the new seal's lips, fill the space between the seal lips with wheel bearing grease, and tap it into position ensuring it's squared. Install the pinion flange, tightening the pinion nut as needed. Measure the torque required to rotate the pinion, adjusting until achieving proper preload. If necessary, replace the bearing spacer in the differential. Once the correct preload is achieved, stake the nut's collar into the pinion shaft slot. Reconnect the driveshaft to the pinion flange and check the differential lubricant level. For driveaxle oil seals, after raising and securing the vehicle, remove the driveaxles. Carefully remove the side gear shaft oil seal, ensuring not to damage the seal bore. Install the new oil seal using a large socket, lubricate the new seal's lip with grease, and reinstall the driveaxles cautiously. Finally, check and adjust the differential lubricant level as needed.