Is a Rear Main Seal really needing to be replaced?

[coopma]

Is a Rear Main Seal really needing to be replaced?
My 2004 4Runner V8 with 205,000 miles is in the shop. They say it needs the Rear Main Seal replaced ($1750) and the Oil Pan Gasket needs a Reseal ($705).

This 4Runner leaks Zero oil on the driveway.
It may have some oil on the bottom of the oil pan or engine but there is zero oil on my driveway.

If it's a minor leak and not serious I don't want to get these replaced.

What do you think?

 

[AuSeeker]

If you're not having to add oil in between oil changes I wouldn't do it.

It's common to be around 1/2 quart to a quart low at the time of doing an oil change, on my V8 which does have a few minor oil leaks, I'm usually about 1/4 quart low when I change my oil every 5000 miles.

 

[rdruss]

No spots on the drive would be my decider, if that were to start then it's time.

 

[coopma]

Update - I got her back from the shop

Update - I got her back from the shop
Shop said the Rear Mail Seal was leaking and the Oil Pan Gasket needs a Reseal.

I didn't get either service.

I got her home, crawled underneath, ran a paper towel all under the oil pan and the bottom of the engine/trans where they meet and it only pulled up older, drier, caked-on black grime. Zero wet, fluid-fresh oil on the paper towel.

It makes me think there is not much if any leak.

What do you think?

 

[Jetboy]

I would not return to that shop again. The indy shops often go to consultant trainings and the guidance is to try to push for at least $2k in repairs on every vehicle that comes in the door. If the shop is continually looking for repairs that are $1500-2500, you can usually get a pretty good idea that it's one of those shops following that model. Find a better mechanic.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

Would this applicable to the 5th Gen 4Runner? I was quoted at $1.3K but, like the OP, I've seen no leaking whatsoever haha.

 

[coopma]

leaks

I bet a leaking main seal would apply to pretty much all vehicles.

 

[AuSeeker]

Would this applicable to the 5th Gen 4Runner? I was quoted at $1.3K but, like the OP, I've seen no leaking whatsoever haha.

It would be applicable to any vehicle still running, in some cases the seals may well need replacing, but as has been mentioned, if you're not seeing any oil on the place you always park then it's not needed!!

 

[TacoRunn0517]

It would be applicable to any vehicle still running, in some cases the seals may well need replacing, but as has been mentioned, if you're not seeing any oil on the place you always park then it's not needed!!

Good to know: this forum always comes through in the clutch. Thanks!

 

[coastal62]

I have a 2017 Toyota 4 runner TRD off road, went for an oil change at Toyota of North Hollywood, Checked the inspection sheet and saw they marked oil leak in the red Square

I followed up to determine where it was coming from dealer says it the rear engine seal asking for $2400!,to repair. "OUCH" right before the holidays
Any suggestions for

 

[coopma]

Coastal62 I would get 2nd & 3rd opinions

Coastal62 I would get 2nd & 3rd opinions
The Toyota dealership told me:
1) it needed a master seal (the large rubber donut that keeps the engine oil out of the trans and vice versa)
2) i needed a gasket for the oil pan
3) said there was oil all up under there & when I said I've had the car 15 years and not a drop of oil on the driveway they said oh the oil only drops while the car is moving
4) total charge ~$2400

I crawled under & wiped with a paper towel & zero oil. Drove 1000 miles and still zero oil....

I think its ripoff

Questions:
1) is there oil on the driveway
2) if you rub a paper towel on the bottom of the engine and trans is there any oil?

 

[Hungryhawk]

I used mobile 1 High Mileage syn oil with seal additives to stop a real main seal leak on my Pilot