Okay, I noticed a couple of weeks ago while under my truck that the Tranny appears to be leaking. Their was oil all over everything underneath. So I go for a drive and get it good and warm and check my fluid by the proper procedures. The Fluid was full and looked excellent. (I had a full flush w/ filter about 11,000 miles ago)

I never notice any puddles under the truck and it only appears to leak while driving it.

So today I was pulling my 5x8 Trailor and my ATV (About 2,000 lbs) and when I came to a stop I could see smoke coming from underneath my truck. I had been running freeway speeds (75-80 mph) and it was a real mess. I again checked my fluid, and it was slightly lower than last time, but still very much full. It was actually a little over full the first time I checked it.

I first thought the pan was leaking, but now I think it's leaking where the tranny and motor connect. BTW... This is a 2.7L auto Xtra Cab Prerunner.

Normal driving doesn't appear to make it leak. Just when I pull the trailor..... So.... Is this an expensive fix?

 

Only thing I could think of would be in tranny input shaft seal. The part is not expensive, but labor is expensive to remove the tranny to replace the seal.

Or could be the torque converter?

 

The truck runs and shifts fine, so I was hoping to rule out the torque convertor. I was leaning toward some sort of seal or gasket. I really don't think it's the pan because fluid will drip off the bellhousing and even appears to be on the oil pan.

I'm now debating on wheater to take it to a Toyota dealership or to a Private tranny shop. I hate to pay hundreds just for labor to replace a $10 part.

Anybody else have any ideas?

 

You can run a dye test. Clean up everything with some rags and brake clean. Run the rig just enough to where the leak will start and then check for the dye. You'll need a black light. This should give you a better idea of what is going on. How's the dipstick seal? Also, if you suspect a TC or input shaft problem, remove the inspection cover and see if oil is slug up all over the bell housing on the inside.

-Wrench

 

If the 'leak' is only happening when towing, you might be having a problem with the trans overheating. Quite often, if the trans overheats, it will blow fluid out of the vent.