Leaking Bolt Help - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

seinfeld5a · 10-31-2011, 12:52 PM

My 2000 Echo seems to have a slow leak from this bolt. Oil seems to have red tint. Can anyone help identify this area? Thanks.

alltracman78 · 10-31-2011, 08:27 PM

Looks like your rear main seal is leaking.

seinfeld5a · 11-01-2011, 11:33 AM

Thanks. I just came from my toyota dealer and he said the seal has to be replaced, which is $1100. I'm thinking of adding some kind of additive to the oil to stop the leak for awhile till I get the money. I hope it doesn't hurt the engine.

alltracman78 · 11-01-2011, 12:52 PM

You'll be fine. You should fix the leak, but you're not losing much oil right now.
What do you normally run, 5W-30? IIRC that's what the engine calls for. If you're worried try 10W-30 or 5W-40. Or 10W-40.
Rear main is a big job, they have to pull the trans to get in there.

seinfeld5a · 11-01-2011, 08:55 PM

Yes, I put 5w 30. Maybe a thicker oil would help. One article said Valvoline MaxLife really helps.