Something is Leaking...

and always remember a little bit of oil goes a long way covering almost everything along the way

 

I was thinking the same thing. Seems pretty obvious; check out the arc or oil slung up above the shaft.

 

This is a known problem with the PreRunners, here is the TSB : http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/45728-new-tsb.html
The pan is lower than the leak so you shouldn't lose much fluid unless you're parking on an incline.

 

Thats just the shaft seal. If you know how to do them they are really easy. If not have a shop do it. Its a $15 seal.

 

Don't smell burning. I can't seem to pinpoint where its coming from exactly. But it is around the knuckles, not a lot but I see it. There aren't much grit around there though.

 

If its really just the seal. I'd be very glad. I am hoping you're right on the money. I am not handy with this. Will probably take it into a shop if indeed its the seal.

 

You are dead on. I am parked on an incline driveway (almost 25 degrees). I noticed its a very slow leak. Slow but I'm concerned it is indeed leaking and its already affecting the tranny.

After checking out the TSB, I am hoping it is indeed the same problem with mine. I'll get an update once I take it in to the dealer to get this looked at.

Thanks for the finding and sharing about the TSB.

 

So what happened to the op's problem? I know the guy who posted the tranny leak got his issue resolved

 

Ok. The dealer got back to me on replacing the A750E Transmission Extension Housing Seal. They said its gonna be $338 and they'll include a transmission service. Which in my mind is YIKES! Because they charge $179 for the transmission service but if I got this done together, he was gonna give me a break. Really, I see the only labor comes from replacing the seal. If i didn't want the tranny service, he said it was going to be $288. And the cost of that part number 90311-40034 is only $8.50.

So I went and found this youtube video on changing tranny fluid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdq30go2V7w
It's not as tough as I had imagine. Just kinda tough getting the new fluid in such a tight area.

 

Just use a pump. Changing the seal on that would be easy. DIY save a fortune.

 

Pull the drive shaft. Pull the seal. Tap the new seal in using a socket of appropriate size. Use feeler gauge to make sure it's seated correctly. Reinstall everything. Follow the video and refill your tranny.

 

According to the Toyota FSM, you should slightly overfill the transmission and pull the overflow plug while the engine is idling and replace when the fluid slows to a trickle - and yes it makes a difference (maybe by 300-500 ml)

The proper level must be achieved while the fluid is circulating around the system, not when its settled in the ATF pan with the engine off.

 

After watching the video a few more times the dude in the video has the right idea, but some misinformation also regarding the proper level, verifying the proper level, and the total capacity of the transmission.

I did a DIY write up awhile back of the same procedure strictly following the Toyota Factory Service Manual. For something as expensive as an automatic transmission, you want to ensure you're doing it correctly. i tried it both ways, and yes it does make a difference !!

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/63851-how-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.html

 

What's it taste like???

 

Chicken and kelbasa respectively.