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Rear Main Seal leak? 2019 Limited

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Steve40th, Jan 12, 2024.

  1. Jan 12, 2024 at 8:05 AM
    #1
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    I just got an oil change. Dealer did last oil change.
    Dealer said I may have a rear main seal leak. 8 hrs 3000 grand basically to fix. 70000 miles.
    Never jave I seen oil in my driveway. So, I will watch it.
    Is this a known issue?.
    I am on cell phone cant see pic well. This is what dealer sent me.

    522c49a4-9363-4db6-8ea8-9c083ba33388.jpg
     
  2. Jan 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM
    #2
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    It can happen. It's a pain to change the rear main seal on any car, as transmission removal is required. All for a $10 part. If you have an extended warranty, it might cover it?
     
  3. Jan 12, 2024 at 10:37 AM
    #3
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

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    Just an opinion on my part.

    That oil looks really clean on the picture posted, The area doesn't have a lot of dirt and debris attached to it in and around the leak area, like an extended (over time) leak would have.

    That seems odd, I would clean the area and keep an eye on it if you have not noticed any leakage where it is parked out. Could also add some dye if you have access to a dye light to check.
     
    icebear, backpacker, steelevo and 3 others like this.
  4. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:11 AM
    #4
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    I went under and cleaned it with rags and brake clean. Drove it a bit, then parked it in garage with cardboard under it. We shall see..
    No warranty, and its at 70k.
     
  5. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:12 AM
    #5
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    I will do the dye later if I see any oil under it.
     
  6. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:17 AM
    #6
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    That sucks.

    It happens every once in a while.

    No rhyme or reason.
     
  7. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:29 AM
    #7
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    I stopped caring about seeps a long time ago. Just clean them off and monitor. Put oil trap carpet in garage. The cost to repair seeps/slow leaks is ludicrous.
     
  8. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:38 AM
    #8
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    I am just going to monitor it. My Chevy has been leaking since the 90s, still runs. Toyota will run for a much longer time than the Chevy..
     
    Tama1968 and Rocko9999 like this.
  9. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:47 AM
    #9
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    Some pics

    20240112_130541.jpg
    20240112_130544.jpg
    20240112_130549.jpg
    20240112_130713.jpg
    20240112_130720.jpg
    20240112_130730.jpg
     
    Rocko9999 likes this.
  10. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:47 AM
    #10
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    This. My wifes 2005 Corolla has the classic timing cover leak. Has been since 2008. I just wash it off once a year. Drips about 2-5 drips per day. Still using the same oil absorbent carpet 2x4 for the last 10 years. Never lowers oil on dip stick in between changes. Would cost over $1,000 to fix and even then they are known to leak again.
     
  11. Jan 12, 2024 at 11:56 AM
    #11
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    I really haven’t seen much on forums with 5th gens having this issue, but I remembered a youtube guy a while back mentioning he had to replace a rear main seal. So it can definitely happen.

    I looked him up just now and was surprised to see he’s had three more main seals fail!!!! Yikes!!!!! That said, he blames water crossings and mud being forced in through the starter mounting and the drain hole. He also had a starter go bad. If you watch his videos, he tends to go through water at pretty high speeds (way too fast). Elsewhere I’ve heard it’s very important to manage speeds in water crossings, especially during entry. Excessive speed generates extreme hydraulic forces that bend steel! I can these hydraulic forces play a part forcing mud and water (salty water in his case) all the way into the bell housing and up to the actual main seal (as you can see in the video attached). https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=elI5yQjVDKQ

    He also mentioned the drain hole in this video, but I’ve never noticed where it is. Does anyone know where it is? I’d like to inspect mine after watching his video. I’ve been through some deep water myself lol.
     
  12. Jan 12, 2024 at 12:02 PM
    #12
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    3 failures? I would look at a casting issue. Plenty of 4runners off roading and such a limited number with this issue.
     
  13. Jan 12, 2024 at 12:11 PM
    #13
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    I will look at this drain hole. As long as I have owned it, it went through mud once, and then I cleaned the bottom real well. But, never had water draining etc. Then I drove it many miles at highway speeds to potentially dry anything in there.
     
  14. Jan 12, 2024 at 12:29 PM
    #14
    SVMTRCSR

    SVMTRCSR New Member

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    Don't blame me, I voted for Trump.
    I'd keep driving and see. $3000? say parts are $100, $2900 for labor divide by 8 hours = $362 an hour? Even two mechanics are $181 an hour. I would ask them to explain cost or find a good independent shop and get a quote, if you fix it.
     
  15. Jan 12, 2024 at 12:35 PM
    #15
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    I am going to just monitor it. I know the labor to pull a transmission is about 6 to 8 hrs. Seal was 27 bucks.. If its leaking, its leaking. If its pouring, then I have to repair it..
    I will not have the dealership do this, as I know a good independent shop will be cheaper and they generally have to put food on the table.
     
    gomiami and Rocko9999 like this.
  16. Jan 12, 2024 at 1:32 PM
    #16
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    That was my first thought. But I’ve seen a few of his videos where he goes through water soooo damn hard, it brings a tear to my eye. In situations like that, I could almost imagine the possibility of hydraulic pressure having enough pressure to actually force itself into the actual seal. I mean, there was mud all the way up in there!
     
  17. Jan 12, 2024 at 2:02 PM
    #17
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    Most recurring rear main failures will come from marring during the seal removal. Some geniuses will use a sharp tool and keep prying/ scraping the sealing surface. The second most recurring failure is not properly seating the new seal. All of these are user errors and have nothing to do with the engine.
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2024
    Steve40th[OP] and McSpazatron like this.
  18. Jan 13, 2024 at 6:22 AM
    #18
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    What, you mean your supposed to use seal removers and seal installers. Crazy I tell ya.. lol
     
    steelevo[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Jan 13, 2024 at 10:41 AM
    #19
    Sin4R

    Sin4R New Member

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    Mall crawling kit.
    I have and had many classic cars. RMS leak is very livable and unlikely to rapidly get worse. While you should fix it, don't feel like you have to take out a loan to get it done tomorrow.
     
  20. Jan 13, 2024 at 12:44 PM
    #20
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    No intention on fixing it. I have lived with worse oil leaks than this.. When I win the lottery, I may think about it.
     
  21. Jan 14, 2024 at 8:44 AM
    #21
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    Once I find this weep hole, been busy, I will see if my bore scope can see in there.
    In the meantime, I honestly think it is very rare for this too happen. Of course, some abuse them. Some use them as intended and clean, inspect and maintain it.
     
  22. Jan 20, 2024 at 4:20 AM
    #22
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    Update: I took the back weep hole cover off, put dye in oil and rain it for a few hundred miles.
    The dye is present, albeit weak. When I pull the dipstick out its bright green with the black light. The oil present at the weep hole area is not as bright. I am wondering if it is old oil, just putting off a color that black lights show when on, if that makes sense. Like when you shine a black light on dirt etc.
    I am going to just monitor oil usage, and puddles, if any that may show up. I will take skid plate off when I can, to see if oil is staying in there. Or, put a clean paper towel under the weep hole tonight and check tomorrow morning.
    3 grand is not chump change. But, if the leak gets worse, I will have no choice. I will check often, evaluate.
     
  23. Jan 20, 2024 at 6:46 AM
    #23
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    How long ago did you replace the PCV valve?
     
  24. Jan 20, 2024 at 9:15 AM
    #24
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    Never. I have only owned it for 30000 miles
     
  25. Jan 20, 2024 at 9:18 AM
    #25
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    Does this pcv valve have a check ball, spring? In it?
     
  26. Jan 20, 2024 at 9:24 AM
    #26
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    ^There a poppet in there, that's as far as I can tell. I didn't cut the old one open to examine the internal construction when I replaced mine last year. I used Standard Motor P/N V504. Looks to be a repackaged OEM part with Toyota P/N etched on the wrench flat.

     
    Steve40th[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  27. Jan 20, 2024 at 9:51 AM
    #27
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    This will be first vehicle I have evwr owned where this is recommended or needed. I will get a new one asap.
    Thnx. They are cheap too
     
  28. Jan 21, 2024 at 9:58 AM
    #28
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    Putting PCV valve in today. Took weep hole cover off. Not sure if this will fix the problem, since it is already leaking.
    Right now, I will just monitor oil usage and see if it is a problem worth close to 3 thousand to fix..
     
  29. Jan 21, 2024 at 10:38 AM
    #29
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    Once upon a time, replacing PCV valve was a regular maintenance thing on many vehicles. I don't see it mentioned much anymore.
     
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  30. Jan 21, 2024 at 10:44 AM
    #30
    Steve40th

    Steve40th [OP] New Member

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    I think the pressure inside the crank, in newer non boosted engines, has decreased due to better engine building.
    But, I will see what it does. Cant hurt much to alleviate any crankcase pressure. Wish I could have measured the pressure in there before the valve change. Accurately that is.
     

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