Rear Main Seal leak? 2019 Limited

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

I will do the dye later if I see any oil under it.

 

That sucks.

It happens every once in a while.

No rhyme or reason.

 

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.

 

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..

 

Some pics

 

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.

 

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.

 

3 failures? I would look at a casting issue. Plenty of 4runners off roading and such a limited number with this issue.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

What, you mean your supposed to use seal removers and seal installers. Crazy I tell ya.. lol

 

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.

 

No intention on fixing it. I have lived with worse oil leaks than this.. When I win the lottery, I may think about it.

 

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.

 

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.

 

How long ago did you replace the PCV valve?

 

Never. I have only owned it for 30000 miles

 

Does this pcv valve have a check ball, spring? In it?

 

^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.

 

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

 

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..

 

Once upon a time, replacing PCV valve was a regular maintenance thing on many vehicles. I don't see it mentioned much anymore.

 

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.