2007 prerunner 2wd leaking transmission fluid

Had the truck for about a week put maybe 150 miles on it noticed small half-dollar size puddle of tranny fluid under the truck. Here is a pic I took of where the leak is coming from

Is it major and what kinda price am I looking at to get fixed?

Thanks

 

Output shaft seal.
There was a TSB/recall on them years ago. I got mine replaced in 2011, but the new style seal didnt last much longer in mine than the original.
Not sure what it would cost, but it is pretty straight forward.

 

Is it essentially just an annoyance type thing where it just leaks slowly and you have to add fluid?

 

It should get replaced. The seal keeps oil in (usually) but also helps keep dirt out.

 

I just had this repaired at the dealership... $200 out the door.

 

So since there is no dipstick how would I check the level? I don't need to change the fluid maybe just add some? But I'm assuming it's a tiny amount dripping out so if it's fixed maybe I won't need to add any fluid? Im assuming there's a warning light or something for low tranny fluid? Thanks for the replies!!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/
There is a process to check/fill the tranny fluid.
Once the seal is replaced, it will need to be topped off. Not knowing the service history and having an obvious leak for a while, it would be a good idea to do a drain & fill.

 

While the driveshaft is out to replace the seal, it would be a very good time to check the u-joints for any indications of wear that would suggest its time to replace.

 

I'm wondering if it started leaking when I pulled a trailer with a dirtbike and quad weighing around 1200 lbs. Because I could of sworn I never saw a leak before that. Could that be an indication that the seal was going out and that was the final thing that made a leak start? I'll be replacing the seal going off the DIY posted on this forum. The stealership told my wife 400 to replace the seal because it would take 3 hours lol. But I will do it myself next time I'm home. I'm wondering how much they will hose me down to flush tranny fluid and refill? (don't wanna mess up on the temp reading if I do it myself) also hope that after replacing the seal next time I pull my trailer it doesn't start leaking again

 

Just by looking at the tailshaft, I'd guess its been leaking for a while. Towing/hauling could make it worse if it causes the back of your truck to squat. That would cause more fluid to pool in the tailshaft allowing it to leak more, but the seal was already on its way.
Doing a drain and fill following the link is actually really easy and you can practice the temp procedure without draining it. From cold, mine takes about 25-30 minutes to get up to temp. Many folks would advise against doing a flush due to not knowing the internal condition of the trans and the possibility that the shop may not be set up to properly perform a real flush.
Depending on where you are, you may be able to find a local wrenching session where another member could help you out. Or a member who could swing by and help.

 

Thanks for the replies! Gonna replace the seal hopefully that's it and it's not the bushings etc.

 

My work was done in 1hour 20 minutes by the dealer. They checked the time needed before quoting me.

 

Replaced the seal now the leak is gone for now. (Knock on wood)

Debating at this time on if I should do a full flush at dealer or just have them do the drain and fill. Flush was 220 + how ever much tranny fluid they go thru and the drain and fill was 120 + fluid (3 quarts or so). Thing is when it was leaking from the seal the tranny fluid was clean, not burnt or blackened at all, looked fresh. So wondering if a standard drain and fill would suffice?

 

Checked the spot again after work and leak is back. After I replaced the seal I drove around town (no highway) for about 25 minutes or 15 miles maybe and when I checked the leak after that there was nothing. This morning took the interstate to work around 8 miles at 65 mph and when I checked the truck after work there was a small drip in the usual spot. Nothing on the ground after sitting 10 hours but I noticed this time when I got some of the fluid on my finger it was a brown color where as before I replaced with a new seal it was red. Any ideas? The seal number I got was (40001) which maybe wasn't the new double lip seal (40034 ) but even if it wasn't the double lip should a brand new seal leak right after replacement like that? I'm extremely annoyed with it.