I have a 2K maxima with 180K on the odometer.

I was changing my brakes and had the vehicle on ramps. The front of the vehicle was higher than the rear, then I see a few drops off engine oil coming from the tranny/engine mating surface.

I haven't gone under to look where the leak is from, but anyone have any ideas. I am thinking it is a upper oil pan gasket that is failing, the valve covers would be rare when the vehicle is slightly inclined.

Any ideas for chasing down the leak.

 

U sure its oil? Could be tranny fluid from the axle seal.

 

pics?

I know i have a leak at the mating surface too... i see a drop or 2 once in a while not enough to add oil between oil changes...

I'd love to know what we find out on this thread.... 01 GLE auto here with 190K

I did do my rear valve cover gasket so i know its not that.

I'm thinking upper oil pan too.

 

rear main seal

 

funny you bring this thread up cause i just took my car to my mechanic to have him inspect a few leaks. my VQ has 135k on her and my rear main seal just started to produce a leak as well as the front seal and also my rear vavle cover has started to leak a few drops.
im just gonna do it next tax season and get a new clutch in there with a lightened flywheel while he's in there. its gonna be about a $1500 job.

 

$1500 is probably worth for a car that has only 135K.

I have 180K and my wife has lost it with what I am ploughing into this old car (just replaced all 4 mounts, right caliper etc). Actually my wife is so pissed off w/ what I am putting into the vehicle that has gone ahead we may Lexus ES350 by end of this month.

Long story short, I am quite disappointed with my maxima, there are so many problems, I am as frustrated as she is with it. But it served well, that is why I want to keep it as a 3rd vehicle.

 

Fnally I went under the car and checked the leaks.

No leaks from valve cover or the oil pan. The oil residue is a classic RMS leak where the lower half of the outside of the tranny is filled with grime. Also the seal on the passenger side axle may be shot, there is a leak from it too. I have heard there is a upper pan and tranny half moon gasket too in and around where the tranny mates with the engine. I find it hard to understand how a seals (RMS and half moon seal) that is fully lubricated with engine oil will leak, it beats me.

Really sucks the idi..ts didn't change the seals on the axles when they did my CV boots. These shops/stealerships will do nothing more or suggest more that what will make them get the fast buck.

 

Bumping this thread.

Was there a conclusion as to what was exactly leaking? RMS or upper oil pan?