Is this an indication of rear engine oil seal leak?

[shawnsnico]

Finally got under my 2003 pathfinder to see what was leaking oil. I was hoping for an oil cooler seal leak but while there is some oil leaking from the oil cooler seal, most of the oil is coming from a small notch between the transmission and oil/engine housing. Can anyone tell me what is leaking? Hopefully the link to the pic works....


https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=5 ... hoto%2cjpg

[4xq]

Yep, probably the rear main seal. Slim chance the front mainshaft seal on the transmission is leaking, but you can rule that out by checking fluid levels and by the smell of the fluid that is leaking.

[shawnsnico]

Thanks - definitely engine oil coming out of the tell tale between the transmission and engine housing

[Q451990]

Check the rest of the engine as well. I had an oil leak on a Q45 once that was collecting in the valley under the intake. It would slowly run back and drip down the edge of the bell housing - making it look just like a rear main seal...

Heath

[eduJ]

That definitely looks like a rear main seal leak. My 98 has the same leak, but it's a very very slow leak and doesn't cause any real issues. It's expensive to replace the part as it's a labour-intensive job. You can try some high-mileage oil to see if it will help slow/stop the leak. Just keep an eye on the oil levels and you shouldn't have a problem, unless it's gushing like geyser.

[shawnsnico]

OK - definitely have a rear main seal leak and have a good mechanic lined up to do the work for $750. Question - any other gaskets , seals or maintenance that anyone would suggest with the transmission removed? dealership where I got the seal also suggested the oil pan lip seals which I got.

[atraudes]

lol Get the transmission rebuilt? I'm only half serious since half the cost of a rebuild is taking it in and out. If you're having any problems with it, now's the time. I'm not sure if dropping the engine's any easier while the transmission's out, but I believe they only have to drop it a bit to replace the seals on the rear coolant pipe. Could be worthwhile since that's so expensive to do if you develop a leak back there.

[eduJ]

How bad is the leak? I am just questioning whether it is worthwhile to even fix it. $750 (not taking in account interest or return on any investment vehicle) is a lot of oil. If I were you, I'd just check the oil every now and then. The time to do it is when you need a transmission rebuild. How long are you planning to keep the car?

[shawnsnico]

I would like to keep the car a few more years - its in pretty good shape overall and the engine is strong. The reason I am looking at fixing the seal is that I have a white concrete driveway and our homeowners covenants prevent me from parking on the street. Just getting tired of putting a rubbermaid tub lid under the damn thing every night.