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Oil Leak

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by popptj2001, Sep 8, 2011.

  1. popptj2001

    popptj2001 Member

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    Discovered an oil leak. Probably has been leaking for some time now. Can anyone tell me where it may be coming from based upon the pics? Tks.

    prius 2.jpg

    prius 3.jpg

    prius 1.jpg Thanks.
     
    #1 popptj2001, Sep 8, 2011
  2. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Could be the seal on the drive shaft or maybe the rubber boot has cracked and grease is leaking out. Check oil levels engine and transmission. Does not look like much of a leak! Is it showing where you park. Hal
     
    #2 Hal W, Sep 8, 2011
  3. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    The driver's side axle seal is leak-prone. It is a known issue. Looks like you've got it. Don't delay in getting it fixed, since the transaxle is the most expensive component to get fixed. Luscious has a nice write-up on it:

    Luscious Garage | Blog | Prius Axle Seal Leak
     
    #3 seilerts, Sep 8, 2011
  4. popptj2001

    popptj2001 Member

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    Thanks for the replies. It is definitely motor oil and not transaxle fluid. I changed the transaxle fluid at the time I took these pics. When I opened the fill valve at the transaxle it dripped out, so I know it was completley full.

    The oil leak has been going on for some time. In fact, oil has been fanning backward splattering the slow leak. I have to add 1/2 quart of oil every 2500 miles or so to keep it up on the stick. I don't see any oil dripping from too above the pics taken. I have looked and looked, and simply can't figure it out the source. Make sense?
     
    #4 popptj2001, Sep 8, 2011
  5. popptj2001

    popptj2001 Member

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    The transaxle may have a very slow leak becuase I did notice some red tinged fluid just to the rear of the drain valve. But it is MINIMAL compared to the motor oil leak. I will check the axle seal, but Need help finding the motor oil leak.
     
    #5 popptj2001, Sep 8, 2011
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The oil drops look like engine oil although the location of the leak would cause one to think first of an axleshaft seal leak.

    If you wish to determine the source of the leak, I suggest you use engine degreaser spray to thoroughly clean all surfaces and hose off with water. Starting with a clean transaxle and engine, you might have some chance to see where the leak is originating. Good luck.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Sep 8, 2011
  7. noah

    noah New Member

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    I just discovered I have the same leak on my 2005 prius based on your pictures. Did you ever figure out what where your leak was??? Thanks! Noah
     
    #7 noah, Jan 27, 2014
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