transmission leak - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

SKYravefever · 01-11-2009, 03:49 PM

What do you guys think this leak could be? When I'm driving, I hear a rotational noise which increases with speed. Tires have been rotated, so it's not that. Pretty sure the noise is related to the oil leak.

***96paseo*** · 01-11-2009, 04:14 PM

Looks like you have some seepage from the differential seals. Do you get a few drips where you park it or a puddle? Is this an auto or 5-speed? What year and engine is yours? If the noise is a low pitch grinding sound, one of your driveshaft needs to be replaced. Check your rubber boots on both driveshafts. If there are cracks and/or alot of grease thrown around by the steering knuckle or transmission, your driveshaft is the problem. The grease will get eveywhere if one of the boots is broken so it should be easy to find.

SKYravefever · 01-11-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96paseo

Looks like you have some seepage from the differential seals. Do you get a few drips where you park it or a puddle? Is this an auto or 5-speed? What year and engine is yours? If the noise is a low pitch grinding sound, one of your driveshaft needs to be replaced. Check your rubber boots on both driveshafts. If there are cracks and/or alot of grease thrown around by the steering knuckle or transmission, your driveshaft is the problem. The grease will get eveywhere if one of the boots is broken so it should be easy to find.

Thanks for the prompt response. It's a '99 4 cyl auto. At this point, the leak's not bad, just a few drops after parking for a few hours. The boots seemed to be intact, but I did manage to see some goopy stuff. Not sure if it's grease or debris stuck onto oil.

So would the diagnosis be closer to a driveshaft problem? If so, what would it potentially cost in labor hrs and in parts?

***96paseo*** · 01-11-2009, 11:53 PM

http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...725+11921+9274

The above link will help give you an idea what the drive shafts will cost. Its not necessary to replace both if one is bad but have the shop confirm only one side is bad. I imagine the labor time will be 1-2 hours per axle and the shop will charge you more for axle than the prices stated in the above link. 30% mark up on parts isn't abnormal. Price wise, i guess it would cost you for labor and parts $180-260 per axle to get it replaced at the shop. First, get it checked out to confirm its just a bad driveshaft. Since you said the boots were intact, you may have a different problem. Judging from your pics, the shop will probably recommend replacement of the differential seals too. Good luck.

Stillrunning · 01-12-2009, 06:39 AM

Rotational noise could be low differential fluid. Not sure if your year has separate fill for differential or not. First thing I'd check is fluid level to avoid major tranmission failure. Leak in that area is output shaft seal. Much more labor than part cost. You could just keep an eye on level and live with leak for quite a while if it is small, but with separate diff. fill it is a pain to check. If you are paying someone else to replace shaft seal you may want to consider replacement drive shafts (depending on mileage) as removing them is 99% of the labor. Definitely doable for DIYrs.

dans01camry · 01-12-2009, 10:57 AM

From all the feedback I have seen on the VW forums empi parts are really low quality and have a reputation for crappy out really early. I don't know of any other manufacturer for Toyota parts but I'd get my stuff from the dealer if it was available.

SKYravefever · 01-12-2009, 06:09 PM

By low diff fluid, is that the same as the tranmission fluid since it's an automatic? The only place that I know to fill with transmission fluid is via the dipstick.

The other possibility of diff seals going bad sounds like it requires a costly/labor intensive fix. Confirm?

BTW, I've noticed that the noise is less noticeable when the engine/drivetrain is cold, e.g. in the mornings. Hope that adds some value to our mystery here.