Transmission fluid leak how long can I hold off on it for now

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by NuggetShark, Dec 4, 2023.

  1. NuggetShark

    NuggetShark Junior Member

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    So I had to look under the car to examine what happened to my exhaust and I noticed some transmission fluid stains on the driverside. Come to a closer inspection reveals that it's coming from the cv joint meet the transaxle. Is the transmission screwed? Or do I need to replace this rubber axle valve?

    I replaced the transmission fluid sometime in April or May and I'm wondering if I can still get away with driving like this for now until I find some time to get the transmission fluid, the cv axle seal if possible or am I going to have to keep filling up transmission fluid once in a while.

    What would the rate of leakage be over the span of 8 months?
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    #1 NuggetShark, Dec 4, 2023
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    It's kind of difficult to inspect the transmission fluid It can be done but it's kind of a pain It may be a lot easier to just have that seal beat in and be done with it but maybe it isn't running low on transmission fluid in a non-shifting CVT transmission may not be such a good thing I think the fluid is needed to help wick away the heat from the transmission etc kind of like axes a coolant as well as a lubricant.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Dec 4, 2023
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This is caused by a bad Axle seal, quite common and easy repair.
     
    #3 JC91006, Dec 5, 2023
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    First step is to check current level of trans fluid and how that compares to when you checked last time you refilled it... Next step is to clean everything you see in your photos so next time you get under there to look you'll get a better sense of how bad the leak is and where exactly it's leaking from.
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Dec 5, 2023
  5. NuggetShark

    NuggetShark Junior Member

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    For now I'm gonna just add a little fluid to compensate for the loss of fluid over that time period. Is there any difference between getting an OEM axle seal vs some aftermarket? I don't think there should be any difference

    Can I pick up any axle seal from any store or should I go to the dealership?
     
    #5 NuggetShark, Dec 5, 2023
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 5, 2023
  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Please let us know how much fluid you were able to add? I'm willing to bet it's going to be a such a small amount that you'll feel like it was a waste of time.

    Of course if your car isn't in the exact same position it was in when you last did this work and is just slightly tipped too far forward or too far back your estimate of fluid loss will be wrong.
     
    #6 PriusCamper, Dec 5, 2023
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