96 Camry 2.2

[shermanreed]

I recently bought a 96 Camry that had a motor swapped out by a competent mechanic. He replaced the water pump, oil pump, head gasket, valve cover gaskets, had the head plained, put in all new front seals, rear seals, etc. The car is running perfect. However, it has a slight oil leak - I cannot tell exactly where it is coming from.

When he sold me the car he told me about it and said he had replaced the valve cover gaskets a second time. It has not eliminated the leak - keep in mind the leak is not severe. He also said he replaced the distributor bearing because he thought it may have been coming from there.

It looks to me like maybe the power steering shaft seal is where it is coming from. Is this a possibility? BTW, when I make a hard turn the ps whines real loud. I also notice from under the car that there is a little oil under the distributor - could the seal be bad - seems like that would have been replaced when the bearing was replaced. It is definitely up high and on the back side - not the valve cover. What do you think?

[popeye08]

Check this link:

http://toyotanation.com/forum/t124228.html

oil could leak out of the timing belt cover in the first pic.

[ghettosled]

there is also a rubber o-ring around the distributor which is prone to leaks.

how is the fluid level in the power steering? also the color of the fluid. it should look pink like transmission fluid (because it is).

[shermanreed]

I noticed today that it is low - obviously it is leaking. I will check color tomorrow.