So now you have a new problem that you should take back to Toyota to have them fix. The rear axle seals are leaking. That's the rear diff's gear lube that's leaking onto the wheels. (Mine have leaked and have had to be replaced every 50K miles, which is extremely annoying). It slimes the drum brakes if you don't get it fixed immediately, so then the brake shoes need to be replaced. With no other vehicles around, when you ease on your emergency brake while moving, does it slow the vehicle at all? If it doesn't really do anything, that's a good hint that the brake shoes are likely soaked with gear lube. But on the other hand, if only one side's brake shoes are soaked with gear lube, you might still have brakes from the other rear wheel, so that isn't a sure test. One possible cause of a leaky rear axle seal is related to replacing the rear wheel bearings. If they don't press the bearings on correctly in just the right position, the rear axle seal doesn't contact in the right location, so it can leak. Another possibility is if your axle tube is bent from the accident, the rear axle seals will probably leak.


Someone earlier in this thread said they didn't think the rear diff could be damaged from the accident where you got hit on the left side. I think it IS possible that the rear diff got damaged, although it's not one of the first places I'd look for damage when you're hit on the side. You had mentioned something about one of the tires was pushed back after the accident, so it could be rationalized that whatever tire was hit had to suddenly stop rotating, so that would transfer huge forces through the rear diff and maybe damage something. If the axle tube was bent, it could cause further problems, such as rear diff problems and bearings failing and rear axle seals leaking.

Maybe you should try to find out if your rear axle tube is bent from the accident. It's awefully hard to bend the axle tubes unless it was caused by the accident. (Not to mention the repair costs will go up further, but at least you could get insurance to pay for the rear bearings, rear axle seal leak, and rear diff problems).

Actually I did have some kind of lube saturate my left rear side probably less than 12 months ago. I remember I had to get both drum brakes replaced because of it.
I'm just having far too many problems with the rear it seems, especially since the accident in 06. When I get time, I will write and tell ya'll what are the body shop listed on the estimate that they fixed.
Every time I have something happen to my truck that I think could be due to a problem from the accident, I ask them at toyota service if they could have a tech see if he thinks it could be due to a prior problem. I've even taken them a picture of how my truck looked in the accident and took the list from the body shop repair. My service advisor didn't even look at it. Every time I ask them to help me in seeing if the problems I have could be due to the accident, they won't cooperate. You'd think they're afraid I'd sue them or something. It's so stupid, I try to get advice from them that could help me out and they out like I'm out to get them.
Ok, so I'm gonna try to call the guy from my insurance company in the next 2 or 3 days and tell him about the wheel bearing, and the rear diff and tell him that I think these problems arose due to the accient. Somebody tell me what I need to say so I don't look like a fool. I'm not trying to take my insurance for a ride or get something that doesn't belong to me. I just want reinbursed for what I've been out if it could very easily be from problemsthat didn't get fixed or fixed right at the time.
Keep writing and I'll check back in a day or 2.
Thanks everyone who writes. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'm no lawyer but its my guess that when you accepted the check for the initial repairs from the insurance company, you probably signed off on the insurance company being liable for any future mechanical repairs arising as a result of the accident. there is no solid way to prove that the rear end problems are a result of the accident. It would be your word against theirs. You could get an expert mechanic and take them to court but it would cost you more $ in the end. You could tell your insurance agent whats going on and what its cost you. They'll prolly say we can't help you. You might also try another dealership or a good independent mechanic.

Hey everyone. It's been quite awhile since I've been on this site. Just wanted to fill everyone in. Where as I had the right rear axle bearing replaced in June 08, I had to take it back again to have the seal replaced in Sept. 08. Now in April 09 , when I took my truck for it routine rotation and balance, the man said the seal was leaking out fluid on the rear right. Took it to toyota for 3rd time in less than 1 yr., in which they replaced the seal again. Said they couldn't keep on doing it, that it must be axle housing bent maybe just enough to wear seal out in short time. Or possible a burr on it. I've talked to a body shop man who says that even if they set up and do measurements to see if axle is bent, they might not even know because they, or no one else, seems to have specs of the measurments of the frame. Toyota just told me that their next step would be to get me a new axle housing, or axle something and it will cost me 8 or 9 hundred dollars.
I swear, I never had problems like this until the accident. Everything goes wrong, one by one, with the rear area. I'm having to pay the bills and it's unfair. if someone could just have checked things on my truck and told the ins. company that they truly felt like some of these things were due to the accident, I could get some of the money back because it was accident related. Toyota is of no help at all to me. They act like they are afraid I'm gonna slap a lawsuit on them just because I question them and want to know what they think.
I can't remember if back earlier I mentioned why they felt the need to change the rear diff (as we know it's truly called). I was hearing loud continual roaring in the cab. Technician checked fluid in diff and said there was shavings inside it. And now today (may 1st, 2009) I spoke with the body shop owner again with 40+ years service, and he said more than likely all diffs are gonna have shaving, even if they are small ones.
I feel very screwed because all of this rear stuff is costing me alot and about to cost me alot more. I know within my heart, most all of the problems have got to be accident related and no one will stand up and help me out. You know the good ole saying about toyota's last forever and never any major problems ? I've had more than my share of problems and sure can't afford to buy another vehicle. I now have 150K miles on my tacoma. Most would say it's got along life ahead of it but toyota just keeps saying "well, you know it's older and got some miles on it now". Heck I've had problems of one type or another from the beginning and now after the accident, I'm gonna be spending enough over time to have a new truck.
Just wanted to fill everyone in. If nayone wants to comment or ask me something , feel free. If you know of any recalls on 01 tacoma's about any one the stuff I've mentioned, please let me know. I'll try to get back to this site soon. take care all.
PS Did I mention how one of my alloy wheels is bent ? Sure don't know how but a new wheel will cost me like 400 dollars. i recently bought one off of ebay. The guy guaranteed it not to be bent. Had it checked only to find that it's no better than the one on truck that they are saying is bent.
Shoot, I'm a woman. I gotta vent to someone about all of this. I recently lost my job and still paying out the butt on this truck to keep it going right.

Arrghhh... trying checking car-part.com for a rear axle, should be able to find one wihthout too much trouble, and cheaper than 8-900... and i hear you on shoddy sellers! Good luck!