Transmission leak? Pics*

So general consensus, should I switch to a high mileage 5-20 oil, and put an additive in to seal up? Or would that be bad if it had nothing to do with the engine? Thanks for all the help

 

Yeah pretty easy fill

 

Bump

 

have you determined what is leaking? Where are you low?

 

Can't check level of tranny without a dipstick, and not low on engine oil, but its also not a bad leak. Just want to prevent it from getting worse...

 

looks more like some small seeping vs a leak - does fluid actually build up below it on the ground when you park?

Most likely the rear main - i would monitor until the leaking gets more severe than whats pictured unless you like pulling t-cases and transmissions.

 

you must be a former jeep owner like myself lol they all leaked. id leave it alone unless it gets really bad and is making puddles on the driveway

 

Just means it's a really small leak, not worth calling one but worth keeping an eye on during maintenance. Something that small in an engine with as many miles makes it a lot less likely to be a torn or damaged seal; it's just not as pliable as new.

You aren't throwing it under the bus or anything by using high-mileage oil! It's still got lots of life in it, the oil just helps seals 'seal'. I have 120K on my Maxima and I'm thinking the same thing... when I was groveling underneath I saw a similar weep from the tc area. But don't put an additive in, it's completely unecessary if you use a quality HM oil, whether petroleum or synthetic.

Oh, and that post about a timing chain cover leak running around to the back sounds like something to check out since the picture angle doesn't let you rule it out.

 

Pic of a leaking timing chain cover- usually leaks behind power steering pump. I had mine fixed under powertrain warranty- no charge.

 

Crank and rear main seal are "designed" to last around 120K but their life depends on a person driving during that 120K miles. so one person can easily do 200K miles on those seals other person will have them fail at around 100K
Those seals are in engine so driving more on lower gears will make them fail faster more highway driving on higher gear and over the life of engine there are much less RPMS so seals last longer. Then you need to factor the quality of oil used.
Those seals are just pieces of rubber so at some point they will have to be replaced just like every O-ring, gasket and seal in the car.

 

^^^this is where i would start, not by worrying about what weight oil i'm running, if you can't, most shops wouldnt charge to check for an oil leak.

 

Thats all great information, I will get that checked out and also keep an eye on it since its not leaving drops in the garage. Thanks for all the advice guys

 

Take a white clean rag to the leak and see if you can wipe a wet part. Inspect if it is ps, oil or trans.

 

you have 120k on this thing and your worried about that ???

Keep your eye on it for now. That could be like that for another 120K.

I wouldn't touch that right now.

 

Good Idea, will do

Haha I know, but my truck is very clean engine wise, I know its not a huge deal just don't want it to turn into one. I hope it goes like that for another 120k!

 

I can understand. I see some with 180K that have looked like that for years.
Just check it once in a while and if you notice a BIG change then you know it's time.

 

Well that reassuring, thanks for the input bud

 

btw never put a additive to "stop a leak" that stuff is like putting sludge in your motor. Im a toyota tech that looks like a rear main. I know im late on the response

 

If I read right you said you drop/drained the trans fluid?

if so, thats probably just where the trans/bell housing got fluid on it from doing that, dust/dirt from driving the truck will stick to that residual oil.

I say clean it off and see if it comes back before you get worried about anything.