[deefo]

Hey all.

2007 Corolla CE

I have a leak from the transmission at the passenger-side CV axle.

For reference, it's the first picture. The second picture is the same except under UV light where I've circled the dyed fluid.

I suspect the culprit is a bad oil seal. After looking up parts diagrams and browsing Toyota's site, I presume this oil seal should do the trick.

However, I'm not entirely familiar with trannys and axles. The CV axles were replaced only 2-3 years ago. I'm not certain if there is anything else besides that oil seal that could be to blame. I'm going to pick up an OEM seal and take it to my mechanic for this job. I'd like to pick up anything else I need from the parts department while I'm there.

Am I on the right track?

 

[Esso]

Looks like the seal is damaged. But yes, usually people replace the seal with the axle to prevent the original seal from possibly leaking later. They can be reused if your extra careful tho.

I accidentally cut mine when I installed my axle so I had to redo the job once more. Solved my leak.


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[deefo]

Looks like the seal is damaged. But yes, usually people replace the seal with the axle to prevent the original seal from possibly leaking later. They can be reused if your extra careful tho.

I accidentally cut mine when I installed my axle so I had to redo the job once more. Solved my leak.


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Thank you. I can't recall if the seals were replaced with the axle. Luckily, only the right seal is leaking at the moment. I'm glad its seems to be only the seal since its cheap at the dealership.

 

[75aces]

If the axle seal is leaking, it would be transmission fluid. Check the level on the dipstick if it's an automatic.

I am inclined to suspect the oil pan leaking. The seal in your images do not look wet at all.

 

[Esso]

Yeah, it’s possible it could be the motor oil from the pan as well. Probably should check what color drips on the floor. Red is auto, olive oil is motor.

This ones a automatic from what it seems. The Manuel came with mostly intermediate shafts. Since the CV is next to the input side I’m assuming it’s auto.


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[75aces]

Yeah, it’s possible it could be the motor oil from the pan as well. Probably should check what color drips on the floor. Red is auto, olive oil is motor.

This ones a automatic from what it seems. The Manuel came with mostly intermediate shafts. Since the CV is next to the input side I’m assuming it’s auto.


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Touche.

It seems the axle seal isn't leaking. Just starting to poke out. Op, this would be a good time to watch for the transmission leak or replace the axle.

The leak is from the oil pan. To verify, run your finger around the pan to locate seeping. My money is that the source of the leak is on the front side. Behind the radiator fans.

 

[deefo]

I fail to see how it would be the axle if the leaking oil shines in UV light. I dyed the transmission fluid and the motor oil at separate times. Given that the seal seems to be leaking, is it really possible for the axle to be bad? I think not given its relatively new and it wouldn't have UV dye.

I briefly checked the motor oil pan and the transmission pan seal the other day, but I'll take a closer look. I have noticed the ATF level a tad lower so thats why all my suspicions are on the transmission. I changed the ATF, filter, and seal in the summer without a hitch, but like I said, I'll inspect that seal closely.

 

[Esso]

The ATF fluid is hard to trace on our cars. Mine had a slow leak but I narrowed it down by cleaning the whole area and turning the car on to cycle fluid. Mine came from the seal. Now it’s bone dry after replacing it.

If it’s a new axle, the axle won’t leak anything but the size of the inbound spline shaft could be a little smaller or larger depending on where you purchased the part. So, a older seal could be loose enough to leak past the shaft. The axle seals have a spring inside that puts slight tension on the shaft to keep it from leaking.

In the end, cleaning will probably be the best way to double confirm. Run it and watch the leak down. My bets on the seal tho.


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[deefo]

I'll let you know!

 

[deefo]

Update: i changed the power steering pump today since that was leaking too. Looked very close and there’s no sign of fluid from either the motor oil pan or transmission pan. there was some fresh fluid around the output shaft after a drive, so all signs seem to point to the seal.