This started dripping oil just days ago. However, based on the scooge that I found spread on the tranny it's likely been lightly weeping for a little while.

It is motor oil and looks to be the same age as that currently in the crankcase (not old oil that's been sitting hidden and just now found its way to the outside world).

Can you tell by the photo if it's the main seal?

I was under the car yesterday and honestly can't clearly tell where the oil is coming from. I removed the converter access cover plate that you can somewhat make out in the center of the photo. I found no notable quantity of oil behind the cover.

To give you perspective, this photo was taken while laying on my stomach in the driveway in front of the car... driver's side is to the right.

 

Sure is.... have the same problem...

 

Friggin thing's only got 85.5K miles on it ('99 SE L).

It's been totally babied too.

 

Not mine....120k....still drive it hard

 

yup rear main leak. looks small. you can still drive hard. once you start to notice you oil level low or you needing to add oil btwn changes then fix it. otherwise you can still drive without any problems.

 

How many out there have done this by themselves? Is it difficult? Anyone have a write-up?

 

Yeah, just make sure where ever you park you don't see huge puddles of oil.

I have had mine leaking for a couple years now. I haven't changed it yet.

 

Well basically you have to drop the tranny to change it. I believe the seal is like 40 bucks too. You can do it your self. But I know the dealership charges like 700 bucks for it

 

Yeah, I just replaced mine when I did the clutch. Took around 3 hours - didn't have to take the entire oil pan off - just loosen it up. Don't worry about it unless you're loosing oil like a SOB.

 

i never touched the oil pan, but getting the retainer out wasnt easy...

if you do change the seal might aswell change out the clutch for a 5th gen

 

Isn't this funny, when we hit 100K all these problems show up (I too have the same leak at 120K but the leak is tiny)? IMO, I believe they are intentionally set to leak so that the stealerships would get revenue constantly!!

I was over the weekend to the stealership regarding a PS problem and the shuttle guy told me sales are down by 50% and the service dept guys are jobless (no need for an appointment even over weekends, isn't that strange).

The stealerships are feeling the pinch big time!!!

 

Yeah but like I said...