Slow oil leak?
#1
Driver
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So, I just noticed the other day that my car has been leaking oil. Only a couple drops here and there, so I took a go pro and slid it underneath to see if I can find anything...
Here's what I found... (video below)
Anyone have any idea where it could be coming from?
Car has about 37k miles and I get the oil changed every 10k. Not sure why this is happening all of a sudden, but anyone else experience this?
Here's what I found... (video below)
Anyone have any idea where it could be coming from?
Car has about 37k miles and I get the oil changed every 10k. Not sure why this is happening all of a sudden, but anyone else experience this?
#2
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It looks like the pinion seal for the front differential.
It will likely only leak once the vehicle is in motion...not stationary.
I recommend cleaning off the oil and taking it for a short drive around the block, then check again.
The leak should just be starting to show and you can see exactly where it's coming from.
I don't think it's engine oil...new engine oil and relatively clean diff oil look very similar...but they smell very different. The diff oil has a much stronger odor.
It will likely only leak once the vehicle is in motion...not stationary.
I recommend cleaning off the oil and taking it for a short drive around the block, then check again.
The leak should just be starting to show and you can see exactly where it's coming from.
I don't think it's engine oil...new engine oil and relatively clean diff oil look very similar...but they smell very different. The diff oil has a much stronger odor.
#3
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Thanks. I'm not sure if it's leaking anywhere else, but i think you're right about it leaking only when I'm moving. I didn't have a leak this morning before I left for work. And that's also because the car would sit for 8+ hours. I noticed it today because I got home from work then left like 30 minutes after.
Is a pinion seal a pain to replace, and/or expensive?
Is a pinion seal a pain to replace, and/or expensive?
#4
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Thanks. I'm not sure if it's leaking anywhere else, but i think you're right about it leaking only when I'm moving. I didn't have a leak this morning before I left for work. And that's also because the car would sit for 8+ hours. I noticed it today because I got home from work then left like 30 minutes after.
Is a pinion seal a pain to replace, and/or expensive?
Is a pinion seal a pain to replace, and/or expensive?
I think (not sure), that there is a collapsible spacer behind the pinion flange that may need to be replaced at the same time since it can only be torqued down and crushed once.
#5
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Ah. Darn.
I guess ill take it up to the dealer although I think my warranty is up. But, if that's the case, might take it to a shop or someone who can help me out.
Also will probably put it on a lift or something to see if its coming out from anywhere else
I guess ill take it up to the dealer although I think my warranty is up. But, if that's the case, might take it to a shop or someone who can help me out.
Also will probably put it on a lift or something to see if its coming out from anywhere else
#6
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Here's a pic to give you a better idea.ILLUSTRATION
![](https://one.tis.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/rm/RM30G0U/images/C266485C03.png)
*1
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER OIL SEAL
*2
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE PINION BEARING SPACER
*3
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE PINION OIL SLINGER
*4
FRONT DRIVE PINION COMPANION FLANGE FRONT NUT
*5
FRONT DRIVE PINION COMPANION FLANGE FRONT SUB-ASSEMBLY WITH DEFLECTOR
*6
FRONT DRIVE PINION REAR TAPERED ROLLER BEARING
*T1
Preload Adjusting Torque: 263.1 N*m (2683 kgf*cm, 194 ft.*lbf) or less
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N*m (kgf*cm, ft.*lbf): Specified torque
●
Non-reusable part
Hypoid gear oil LSD
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![](https://one.tis.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/rm/RM30G0U/images/C266485C03.png)
*1
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER OIL SEAL
*2
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE PINION BEARING SPACER
*3
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE PINION OIL SLINGER
*4
FRONT DRIVE PINION COMPANION FLANGE FRONT NUT
*5
FRONT DRIVE PINION COMPANION FLANGE FRONT SUB-ASSEMBLY WITH DEFLECTOR
*6
FRONT DRIVE PINION REAR TAPERED ROLLER BEARING
*T1
Preload Adjusting Torque: 263.1 N*m (2683 kgf*cm, 194 ft.*lbf) or less
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-
![](https://one.tis.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/rm/RM30G0U/images/V100146.png)
●
Non-reusable part
![](https://one.tis.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/rm/RM30G0U/images/V100135.png)
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#8
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#9
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Right.
Well, I just called the dealer I bought the car from, and it's 4y / 50K mile warranty. So in that case, I think I'm good. Im going to set an appointment to get it looked at this weekend.
Well, I just called the dealer I bought the car from, and it's 4y / 50K mile warranty. So in that case, I think I'm good. Im going to set an appointment to get it looked at this weekend.
#10
Driver
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Thanks! I will keep this thread updated as soon as I find something out. Pretty odd for sure. I don't notice anything different when driving. I haven't hit any potholes or whatever either. I pretty much baby this thing especially with having some aftermarket wheels. Also, I haven't been driving it much. Mainly just to work and back home. Since it's been fairly nice out lately, I've just been taking my motorcycle out.
Maybe it's a sign that Lexi wants more attention haha.
Anyway, I plan on getting it looked at sometime this weekend.
Maybe it's a sign that Lexi wants more attention haha.
Anyway, I plan on getting it looked at sometime this weekend.
#12
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It happens. maybe some foreign debris got caught in the seal and tore it up. Have them drain the fluid, new seal, and refill. should be fine. Should be an easy repair.
#13
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So, I dropped my car off at the dealership this morning, and I just got a call about my car...
It turns out that it is a front differential seal leak. Fortunately, it is covered under warranty and will get it fixed as soon as possible. I guess it's a long job so I probably won't get it back until tomorrow.
I was kind of worried they would tell my my warranty is void because my car is lowered. But, all is well! It's exactly what you guys thought it was! Glad I can get some quick insight from this forum.
Thanks!
It turns out that it is a front differential seal leak. Fortunately, it is covered under warranty and will get it fixed as soon as possible. I guess it's a long job so I probably won't get it back until tomorrow.
I was kind of worried they would tell my my warranty is void because my car is lowered. But, all is well! It's exactly what you guys thought it was! Glad I can get some quick insight from this forum.
Thanks!
#14
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So, I dropped my car off at the dealership this morning, and I just got a call about my car...
It turns out that it is a front differential seal leak. Fortunately, it is covered under warranty and will get it fixed as soon as possible. I guess it's a long job so I probably won't get it back until tomorrow.
I was kind of worried they would tell my my warranty is void because my car is lowered. But, all is well! It's exactly what you guys thought it was! Glad I can get some quick insight from this forum.
Thanks!
It turns out that it is a front differential seal leak. Fortunately, it is covered under warranty and will get it fixed as soon as possible. I guess it's a long job so I probably won't get it back until tomorrow.
I was kind of worried they would tell my my warranty is void because my car is lowered. But, all is well! It's exactly what you guys thought it was! Glad I can get some quick insight from this forum.
Thanks!
Likely it's taking til tomorrow cause they don't stock the part and have to order it in.
#15
Driver
Thread Starter
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Ah that's true! I wonder what can cause a leak of that sort. Objects from the road? Although I don't think I've hit anything. My car is lowered on RSR Down Springs, and I dodge potholes like a champ as far as I know lol.