Concerns after hitting some deep water in the truck this morning

[PrisonHack]

On the way to work this morning, lots of flash flooding in the area I hit a street that normally doesn't have any flooding problems...until today. The back end was floating slightly I believe since the traction control light kept kicking on. I could tell the exhaust pipe was under water by the sound. I made it through the water and the truck drove fine the rest of the way to work. Anything I should be concerned about after that??? Mainly wonder if I should worry about the diff fluid? It's a 2009 2wd Tacoma.

[Ghoste]

I would be concerned about water getting in the vents for the trans and rearend. 

[PrisonHack]

 Hadn't really thought about the transmission. Drove fine afterwards, It took about another 30 minutes to get to work because I had to try several different routes.

[JB400]

I'd at least change the rear end grease (when was the last time you done that anyway )  I wouldn't worry about the trans unless you had water coming in on the floorboards.  Transmissions are tucked up into the bodywork.  You might want to check your wiring harness towards the back and any connections that are down that low.  They may corrode.  At least spray the connections with WD40 or similar product to disperse any water on the connections. (That's what WD40 was invented for anyway, or so I've been told)

[PrisonHack]

 Yeah I have never changed it, only have about 43K  miles on it

[Cooter]

I'd be more concerned with electrical connectors. They are weatherpack, but not flood proof.

[TUFCAT]

Sorry, this is a Toyota so I can't comment.  Unfortunately water level can be very deceiving...even if you know the road.  Maybe its time to sell? 

[ws23rt]

It sounds like you were not in the water long enough to get much if any in through the vents.

I agree that any push type pin connectors should be tended to.  WD40 is one of those do it all type products one of which is to displace water. It does this partially because it attracts water and can flush it away. The resudual left behind will attract moisture. This a good reason to follow up with dieletric grease on the connectors.

[six-tee-nine]

@ ws23rt

That is not always true...

Heavy 4X4 vehicles have the vents for the axles higher mounted. Its not that the water seeps in the axle trough the vents.
It can even get sucked into the axle.
If the oil and metal is hot the air inside the axle expands and excess pressure leaves the axle trough the vent. When you put the axle in cold water It cools down quick and air is sucked in trough the vent, but when submerged it sucks no air but water in.

I'd check the axle oil for sure. replacing oil is'nt that expensive.
Check at wich height your trans breather is so you can determin if it was under water or not. If any doubt change the oil.

Cooter also has a point, but since its summer you could get away with that due to a natural dry out by higher outside temps

[twodko]

I've had several 4x4's over the years. I was under the impression that the diff vents were one way valves and didn't
allow water etc being sucked in?

I was heavy into hardcore wheeling.......lots of mud/water and meticulous about maintenance on my trucks. I never discovered water contaminated diff oil. I'd change it a couple times annually.

I never had tranny problems either.......GM TH350 and AMC Jeep 3 gear manuals. 

[Stegs]

yes 4x4 have the vents higher

on my 98 dodge truck the front diff vent is in the engine bay


I would not worry about a thing to be honest...with all the electrical connectors on cars now...if something went bad, your check engine light would have come on

if you don't notice anything shortly after the water, your 100% fine....

heck, you would be surprised what modern day vehicles can do......brand new jeeps can have water above the floor boards and it will be fine....


drive it like you stole it!

[PrisonHack]

 I've been driving it over a week since posting this thread with no issues. Still might get around to changing the rear end oil, but I have seen people go much deeper than I did launching boats