RAV4 leaking rear main seal

[John105]

Yes, $2200. from independent mechanic

Are they Japanese specialists? The only reason I ask is that when Lexus quoted $1800 for a timing belt job the indie I use quoted $950 and it’s been 7 years so the job was top notch (got a box with all the old parts back).

Guess what…your price does appear to be half, like mine was…imho at that price either part with the money and don’t look back, or keep driving and keep an eye on the oil. But the car can’t be enjoyed to its fullest extent that way…. What if you spend $2200 and the car lasts 5-10 years?? Then it’s fine. I wasted $1200 on 2 ultrasounds and an X-ray when if I waited 2 weeks it would have been $40. Painful but it’s done with….

Toyota Rav4 rear main seal leak

www.toyotanation.com

 

[ltroast]

Are they Japanese specialists? The only reason I ask is that when Lexus quoted $1800 for a timing belt job the indie I use quoted $950 and it’s been 7 years so the job was top notch (got a box with all the old parts back).

Guess what…your price does appear to be half, like mine was…imho at that price either part with the money and don’t look back, or keep driving and keep an eye on the oil. But the car can’t be enjoyed to its fullest extent that way…. What if you spend $2200 and the car lasts 5-10 years?? Then it’s fine. I wasted $1200 on 2 ultrasounds and an X-ray when if I waited 2 weeks it would have been $40. Painful but it’s done with….

Toyota Rav4 rear main seal leak

www.toyotanation.com

Thank you, John105.
They are not Japanese specialists, but do have Toyota experience. They appear trustworthy.
You are correct in that I can't fully enjoy the car.
Every time I stop I look for oil drips and worry about consumption and reliability, which diminishes utility. It is a learning experience to be certain. I took a chance and now have to really see what I can live with. No one likes to throw good money away, it doesn't grow on trees. So far still dripping a bit, have not gotten a fresh OC with HM. I'm not inclined to wait indefinitely either, not a person who deals well with leaks, haha!

 

[ltroast]

Newbie here, looking for ideas/advice.
Acquired 3rd gen Rav4, 2.5 4cyl, Auto, has 200k miles. Purchased "as is". Immediately noticed oil dripping, golfball size after parking. Mechanic diagnosed. Otherwise, car seems good with her high mileage.
Loss somewhat over a qt in 1k miles.
Have tried Blue Devil and Bar's Rear Main sealer.
No significant change.
Mechanical repair way too costly. Definite buyers remorse now.
Does anyone have a suggestion as to oil or additives at this point? Is a road trip out of the question? Sell or baby it?
Many thanks!

Update, hello, just did an OC with 5w20 semi syn non HM.
Now feeling like trying Liqui Moly or AT205 as it is still dripping. I would like to take it on a needed road trip. Want to solve this without a huge bill, if possible.

 

[ltroast]

Update, Hello,
Have tried AT205 in my 2011 RAV. Have driven approx 500 miles. Still leaking same amount of oil it appears.
Looks like nothing chemical will work.
Oil leakage may be something like a qt in 500 miles. Most of my driving is short range. I am looking to take a 2000 mile quick duration trip soon if I get the gumption to do it. Then maybe another one.
I don't like the leak but I "own" it and am reluctant to do a mechanical fix because of cost and over 200k miles.
I just may run it (adding oil) until??
Thanks to the people who replied!

 

[andrew_j]

Good luck , quarts of oil in bulk are cheap and 500 miles /qt is high but not insane.

 

[RAR]

Buyers remorse… I understand.

Save up the dough to do the job and grit your teeth and drive it. When you have enough, fix it and drive it until you don’t want to any longer.

Is it fine in all other respects? It’s just the oil leak? Or are there other problems and the leak is the biggest headache?

 

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

Save up and get the thing fixed. This vehicle will likely last you another 150-200k miles if you want it to.

Gonna be a lot of buyer's remorse over the next 6-12 months with cars that need repair and bought during the stupid height of pricing. Lucky for you, you bought a Toyota, it has some worth, whereas most other vehicles on the road needing $2500 in repair aren't worth fixing.

 

[dumkid]

Front wheel drive or all wheel drive? If all wheel drive, pay someone else to do it. If front wheel drive, start collecting tools and watching YouTube videos about replacing a rear main seal.

 

[ltroast]

Thanks to all for your replies!
I am gritting my teeth and although I can't stand the drips, will deal with this for now.
Might try some Lucas Stop Leak as a last resort.
This is a fwd only and appears decent in all other respects, but I worry about the 222k mi on her, particularly transmission. Fluid appears darkening maybe. Driveability seems okay.
Really want to use this for a quick 2000 mile road trip up north, but don't want to get stranded either. Getting colder now.
Anyone wanting to weigh in on road trip feasibility?
Thanks for reading!