The infamous timing chain cover leak...

Same issue on my 2016 TRD OR with 127k miles. Local dealership said it was seeping and quoted me $5900 for the repair and $775 for an oil pan replacement.

Going to get a second opinion on it tomorrow. This comes at a time right when I’m looking to selling the truck… dealership specifically said I should sell it privately because all the dealers will see the work notes during trade-in.

Literally planning to drive a couple hundred miles to secure a Tundra in 4 days…

Dealerships are scams!! They act like they’re your friends, but they’re not.

 

or get it worked on by an independant shop to keep the dealershits out of the loop.

 

For sure looking into it, I need to find a Toyota (“import shop”) specific near my area.

 

My current 2021 TRD Sport 4x4 made it to 7,000 miles before I noticed the timing cover leak. Dealership confirmed and repaired under warranty, but they didn't sound very optimistic when I asked about the outlook going forward.

I'm approaching 15,000 miles with no sign of the leak returning. Unfortunately I'll age out of the powertrain warranty before I mileage out of it.

Now that I don't trust the engine, I'm leaning towards purchasing a third party powertrain extended warranty and hope they cover the timing cover leaks.

 

99% youre fine. The sales department won't go thru service history on a trade evaluation.

 

Let’s bring this thread back to life..

Dropped off my 2023 TRD OR at the dealership today. Only has 1800 miles and is suspected to have a timing cover leak. They’re going to add something to the oil to help make the leak’s origin more visible. Odd thing is that the leak appeared right after the truck’s 1yr service including an oil change. I was hopeful that it was a poorly seated oil filter gasket since the housing was wet. But the oil seems to be originating from above that.

So far the dealership has been good to work with. Anything in particular I should ask before allowing them to work on it? I’ll for sure ask how they plan to access the cover. I’m assuming by removing the diff as mentioned earlier.

 

Am I understanding that you put 1800 miles on your truck in one year? Anything is possible but I am suspicious of your truck having an oil leak at the timing cover based on age and mileage. Before anyone tore into it, I would consider getting a second opinion.

From what I have read and the research I have done on the timing cover oil leak, seldom is it a drip and more often it is just a seep and a wet spot near the power steering pump. Some that have it choose to live with it especially if the truck is out of warranty. It sounds like what you are describing is a drip, which again imo is less likely given the age and mileage of your truck.

I am hoping and would bet the oil on your truck is from something other than a timing cover leak.

Good luck and keep us posted please.

 

Will do.. Hope your right

Yeah, It’s a secondary vehicle. I live in the Mtns so I only drive it when the weather is poor or if we do any camping. Haven’t been able to do much of that with work recently.

 

My low mileage 23 Pro had to have this done as well....the master mechanic pulled the steering rack instead of messing with anything else. He said it's a pain, but in the long run, it's better than pulling anything else off. So far it's leak free, but like you, I don't drive it much. I got mine in 4/2023 and only have 4000 miles on it.

 

I’ll definitely ask them about that approach if the timing cover is indeed the issue. I guess it’s better that the leak show up now early in the warranty. I plan on having this truck for the next 10-15 years. First car was an 89 Toyota 4X and have never looked back from Toyota. Hopefully not gonna start now..

 

How has your repair held up? @spacecadet123

 

So it is a front cover leak. Parts arrived yesterday and they will be starting work today.

 

thanks for the update. sounds like they really screwed the pooch on some of these for a leak to develop so soon. hope it all works out.

 

They will be pulling the motor to access the cover. Glad I still have 4 years of power train warranty ‍♂️ At least they will have every opportunity to properly seat the cover. Rather than working in such a tight space.

 

they only had to pull my steering rack.

 

Yeah, I mentioned that but they said they didn’t want to pull anything apart that wasn’t necessary. Sounds like a contradiction to me but I’m no mechanic.

 

Well that blows. Mine has been good so far. Keep us posted.

 

Sorry to hear this. I have a 2016 that has the leak. I pulled the pump off and coated the area with permatex, slowed it down a lot….but I bought out of warranty.

I would take photos of your truck before the work is done and give it a good look over after. No one cares for your things like you do unfortunately.

 

Have them check that coolant crossover pipe in the back of the engine while they have it out- some trucks needed an engine removal to fix that as well.

 

Thanks for the tip! I’ll pass it on..