Rear Main Seal
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Rookie
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 77
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From: VA
Rear Main Seal
So I finally got around to changing the oil this week and found out some bad info. It looks as though my main rear seal is leaking. I noticed a couple of drops of oil on the garage floor the other day but didn't think much of it. After I got under there and looked around it little, it was fairly apparent that the oil was coming from my RX and out of that juncture.
Has anyone had any experience with this? I don't think I’m capable of changing it myself as it will probably require removing the engine and/or trani. I'm thinking about letting it go for a while though.
Also, would this be covered under the warrantee?
Has anyone had any experience with this? I don't think I’m capable of changing it myself as it will probably require removing the engine and/or trani. I'm thinking about letting it go for a while though.
Also, would this be covered under the warrantee?
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
What's the milage on the car, what kind of oil have you been using?
If not covered under warranty, I'd personally try some of the "high milage car" oils on the market that are said to be good for the seals. If that didn't do it, I'd be inclined to try some additives since it seems to be a minor leak from what you've said.
If not covered under warranty, I'd personally try some of the "high milage car" oils on the market that are said to be good for the seals. If that didn't do it, I'd be inclined to try some additives since it seems to be a minor leak from what you've said.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: VA
Milage is at about 85K (its a 2000)
I've been using 5w-30 the whole time i've had it and it looks like the previous owner has had everything done at the dealership - so i would asume they used 5w-30 as well.
It is a very small leak I only see a couple of drops when I park it.
I don't know much about that "leak-stopage" stuff. And as serious as everyone in here is about the smallest differences in oil - I am almost afraid to add that. On the other hand I assume replacing it would be $1,000 to $1,500 given the labor, so I don't plan on having it done immediately.
I've been using 5w-30 the whole time i've had it and it looks like the previous owner has had everything done at the dealership - so i would asume they used 5w-30 as well.
It is a very small leak I only see a couple of drops when I park it.
I don't know much about that "leak-stopage" stuff. And as serious as everyone in here is about the smallest differences in oil - I am almost afraid to add that. On the other hand I assume replacing it would be $1,000 to $1,500 given the labor, so I don't plan on having it done immediately.
Out of Warranty
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,925
Likes: 13
From: Houston, Republic of Texas
If you're a little squeamish (as I am) about introducing odd fluids into your engine, you might try pouring in a good seal conditioning additive about a week before you change oil. The way most of these products work is to penetrate and soften the seal rubber, causing it to swell slightly, stopping the leak. While that isn't the optimal solution, at least you'll feel better about getting that "foreign" product out of the pan. 
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Orange Cou
Rear Seal
My AWD RX300 started leaking at 99,500, and I changed oil on a regular basis!
You have to drop the tranny to change it out.
Lexus quoted $1675 to repair it. Said these usually go at about 150,000 or 7 years.
Given the above and forth comming need to replace timing belt. water pump, etc., I jacked up the lincense plate and put a new 350 under it this past week!
You have to drop the tranny to change it out.
Lexus quoted $1675 to repair it. Said these usually go at about 150,000 or 7 years.
Given the above and forth comming need to replace timing belt. water pump, etc., I jacked up the lincense plate and put a new 350 under it this past week!
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Eventually it is going to get worse. I am not surprised by a year, leaking seals are so common down here and people just keep adding oil. How much you need to add depends on the vehicle. In addition, keep in mind it that natural wear and tear will also affect engine consumption. I use Restore oil additive to help keep the compression up to minimize wear and tear.
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