I noticed a few drops of what looks to be like oil underneath the front passenger side going towards the middle. So I went underneath to check out where it was coming from. I took some snap shots, but have no idea what this is... Please help and advise. Thanks so much to the forum members.

2005 RX330 AWD -

 

I could be wrong, but im pretty sure thats where the rear main seal is

 

+1, rear main seal.

 

wipe it clean and watch it seep.

 

Is there a easy dyi fix for this?

 

So is that motor oil that is leaking? What is the harm if I keep driving it without fixing?

 

There is a small sheet metal inspection plate in the area of you leak. Remove the plate, if you see oil inside, very likely it is the rear main seal. Replacement of the seal requires removal of the transmission.

I found oil dripping like yours is on my RX330. My initial assumption was rear main seal. I pulled the plate and it was dry inside. Cleaned everything up and determined that leaky valve covers were the source of the oil.

I fixed my leaky valve covers. Front is easy, the rear is a PITA. If it was the main seal, I would have lived with wiping up oil spots and occasionally adding oil.

 

Thanks for the info Joe. I'm not sure what you mean by the inspection plate, can you post a pic of it.

So I just put in a bottle of Bars Rear main seal to see if it helps. Like you, I plan to live with it, if it is the rear main seal.

I did notice today, when I was looking down from the hood that the parts below where the dipstick goes seems to be sort of wet.

 

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That's a pipe dream.

 

Unless it's leaking like a sieve, just refill with a quart of oil every 2000 miles or as needed when you notice the level below half way on the dip stick.

I've actually changed this. You want no part of it unless you're a legit mechanic and have the tools needed to do the job right. And you certainly don't want the bill to have it done.

 

Here is the plate I am referring to (note: this is a FWD vehicle, not sure what it looks like on an AWD vehicle). This view is looking from passenger side to driver's side.


With the plate removed you can see the flywheel. If there is oil in here it is likely the the rear main seal leaking. No oil, probably not the main seal.

 

Thanks again for the info Joe.

Do I just remove the two bolts from the first picture to access this?

 

Yes, remove the two 10 mm bolts and then the plate slides out. There are 3 rubber seals along the edges that might come off the plate, just push them back on before you reinstall the plate.

 

lexrod6 did you ever locate where that oil leak was coming from? I have the same issue I need to remove that plate to see if it has oil or not.

 

Following as well!