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2005 Prius - Front axle sealing leak

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Bham05Prius, Nov 28, 2014.

  1. Bham05Prius

    Bham05Prius New Member

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    Location:
    Birmingham, AL
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    One


    Just picked up a 2005 Prius a few months back with 60k miles on it. It had an open recall related to the steering column so I took it to the local dealer for inspection. Well, they found it has a front axle seal leak and had a couple questions for the forum related to that.

    1) It has not dripped a single drop of fluid in the time I have had it, so where would I look under the car to see the leak?

    2) Anything else I should have them replace while they are repairing this issue?

    Thanks!
    Steve
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The axle seal is something that goes bad and I believe it's always on the driver's side only. It's not a cheap repair, I believe the dealer's will want about $400-$500 to do this.

    At only 60k miles, there shouldn't be much the car needs. Anything that they can see visually, they will have already brought it to your attention.
     
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Get under the car and look where the halfshafts enter the transaxle housing. If you don't see anything, ask the service writer to have the car put on a lift so you can see what is leaking. It could be that there is no leak at all; or else if there is a leak, it may be so tiny that no action is required at this time.

    The transaxle ATF should be drained and replaced if it is actually necessary to replace a transaxle seal.
     
  4. Bham05Prius

    Bham05Prius New Member

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    Location:
    Birmingham, AL
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Appreciate the info!