Rear main seal replacement cost!

Tacoma specs: 2016 SR5, 4WD with 128k miles

Noticed a leak from the undercarriage. Took the taco to the Toyota dealer and was told the leak is coming from the rear main seal. Quoted $3200 for replacing the rear main seal. I’m aware it is 90%+ in labor I’d be paying for, however, quote a little seems steep. Is $3,200 a high quote? Any suggestions?

 

How many hours did they quote?

 

this
and ask for a copy of the quote,,, location will matter, but you can look at all the other fees and charges. Also see if they are quoting by the book or hourly.

 

The average labor rate per hour is between $75 and $130. You can expect the dealership rate to be higher than at an independent repair shop. So yeah, that quote isn't that far off. They probably estimate 30hours of total labor.

 

You have a 4WD and it's a given it will be more than a 2WD. That being said, it shouldn't take more than 12hr for a good tech to do.

I would get other estimated from other dealers or reputable shops in your area, try transmission shops too, they may be lower and may have more expertise in this area.

Good luck

 

I looked up the labor time to replace an automatic transmission earlier today. The labor was 9 hours. So add .5 for the seal for 9.5 total. Our labor rate is $150/hr for a total of $1425 for just labor. Add parts, shop supplies and taxes. And you would be in the $1650 range.

 

This. I was gonna say a rear main can be done in 12-16 hours max, if there's any more time allotted I think you're getting taken for a ride or it's an incompetent and/or unethical shop. I'd for sure get at least one or two more quotes. I'd honestly expect a quote for that to be half of what yours was, but you did get your quote from the stealership so...

 

Some rear main seals require removing the oil pan to access the seal or seal housing depending on what is involved in the install. IE sealant required at the interface between the rear main housing and the oil pan. This can add substantial time to the quote. Not sure on the 3.5 3rd gen specifically.

 

Did this leak happen quick or slow? Have you cleaned or replaced your PCV valve at any point?

 

One piece seal, have to pull trans.

 

Toyota Warranty time for this is only 5.9hrs. So It is not that involved. It has a seal plate that is bolted to the block and to the oil pan. Pan removal is not needed. The seal is also a separate part from the Seal plate. So that does not need to be removed either.

 

I have changed some rear main seals that took 3 shifts with 2 guys to change... they can be labour's intensive. $3200 is a dealership tax. I bet a good quality mom and pop shop could do the job just as well and for much cheaper. And you help the little guy... if it isn't warranty, I would never darken the doorway of a Dealership service centre.

 

I was referring to some engines so it is good that it is not required. Some housings do not give much space to slide the seal and housing together onto the block. It is always a good thing to remove the oil pan if you want to ensure proper seal. Just replacing the seal in the housing and not replacing the housing gasket can be risky as well.

 

That's the, "we really don't want to do this job" price. Rear main seals are a lot of work and a lot of things can go wrong that the dealership will then have to deal with. Up to and including the new seal still leaking and the dealership being on the hook for having to redo it on their dime.

If you asked me for a quote, I'd quote you $4k to make you look elsewhere too

 

Ask around to independent Toyota shops, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...with-the-rear-main-seal.783846/#post-28042362
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-main-oil-seal-leak-at-120k-miles.783331/

 

I would def recommend checking out a independent as well. Usually have good techs who are better paid at brand specific independents (I was one) who are more interested in repairing it correctly.

 

I paid $1100ish a few weeks ago. 120K miles on the engine. Local shop that specializes on Toyotas. I made a thread on it.

 

Actually having mine done as we speak. $800 for a one day job in a shop in Mesa, AZ. 2WD TRD Sport 2016. 115k mi. Kinda bummed, but thankfully only major repair thus far.

 

Curious what major could go wrong? Asking so I can be aware of possible problems if I take the taco to an independent shop

 

I would say the same usual suspects that do wrong at stealerships and independent shops alike. Mainly, over torqued, under torqued or missing fasteners and improper installation of the seal.

The main thing is to replace the seal with a TOYOTA oem seal, after checking to see if the said seal is the currently or superseded seal recommended.