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Toyota 5L-E engine factory workshop and repair manual

Summary: locate the leak, identify the leaking component, carry out the repair that replaces or reseals the failed sealing surface (seal, gasket, line, pan), and verify. Below are ordered diagnostic steps followed by the common repair procedures and the theory of why each fix works.

A. Safety, preparations, and tools (do these first)
1. Safety: work on level ground, use jack stands, wheel chocks, gloves and eye protection. Disconnect battery if you’ll be under the vehicle or removing electrical connectors.
2. Fluids & parts: get the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle (check Toyota spec for the model/transmission), a replacement seal/gasket/line, new crush washers if banjo fittings are present, and any transmission drain/ fill plugs recommended by Toyota.
3. Tools: basic hand tools, torque wrench, jack and stands, drain pan, scraper, gasket sealant if required, brake cleaner or solvent, lint‑free rags, LED inspection light, UV dye and UV lamp (optional), transmission jack if removing the gearbox.
4. Clean first: cleaning the area before diagnosis is essential — a dirty transmission will hide the leak.

B. Diagnostic sequence (in order)
1. Clean the transmission and surrounding area thoroughly (degrease with solvent). Theory: fresh cleaning eliminates old fluid trails so you can see new fluid and trace the origin.
2. Run the engine/drive the vehicle briefly to warm and circulate fluid (if safe). Park on stands so you can inspect underneath. Theory: Leaks often only appear under pressure and when hot; warming fluid makes leaks show.
3. Visual inspection from lowest to highest points: pan gasket seam, drain/fill plugs, cooler lines and fittings, axle/shaft seals (input/output/tailshaft), torque converter/ bellhousing seam, transfer case seams. Use a bright light and rags to trace the drip to its highest point (source is usually upstream). Theory: fluid follows gravity — the highest wet point usually indicates the leak origin.
4. Use absorbent paper towels or white rags — place them at suspected locations and run again briefly to see which rag becomes wet. Theory: isolates the leak to one area.
5. If location unclear, add a small amount of UV dye to the transmission, run, and inspect with UV lamp. Theory: dye traces pressurized or small leaks that are otherwise hard to see.
6. Check fluid level and condition. Very low fluid can indicate a long‑term leak and may have damaged internals; burnt smell indicates overheating. Theory: low fluid may require fluid change and indicates severity/timing of repair.

C. Common leak sources and ordered repairs (each section: how to do it, then why it fixes the fault)

1) Pan gasket leak (automatic transmissions)
- Steps:
a. Warm vehicle, drain ATF into a pan by loosening drain plug (if equipped) or remove pan bolts gradually, catching fluid.
b. Remove pan, clean mating surfaces thoroughly, remove old gasket or RTV.
c. Inspect pan for warpage or dents; replace if damaged.
d. Fit new gasket or apply manufacturer‑approved sealant, reinstall pan and bolts to Toyota torque sequence and values.
e. Refill with correct amount/type of ATF, bleed if needed, run and check for leaks.
- Theory: The pan gasket seals the mating surface between pan and transmission case. Over time gasket crushes, hardens, or oil contamination causes it to fail. Replacing the gasket restores the compressible sealing material and correct clamping force, eliminating the path for fluid to escape.

2) Transmission cooler line or fitting leak
- Steps:
a. Inspect hoses, clamps and metal lines for cracks, bends, or loose fittings.
b. Tighten fittings to spec; replace damaged hose or line and any corroded banjo bolts or fittings.
c. Replace crush washers on banjo joints and torque to spec; purge air, refill fluid.
d. Pressure‑test by running engine and cycling through gears.
- Theory: Cooler lines operate under pressure and can crack or lose sealing where banjo bolts use crush washers. Replacing the hose/washer restores a new, deformable sealing surface that conforms under torque and eliminates leaks.

3) Pan magnet or drain/fill plug leak
- Steps:
a. Inspect drain and fill plugs for damaged threads or crushed washers.
b. Replace drain plug crush washers or O‑rings; if threads are damaged, repair or replace the pan (or use helicoil only if appropriate).
c. Reinstall, torque to spec, refill fluid.
- Theory: The plug uses an O‑ring/crush washer that deforms to seal. Replace the sealing element or restore correct thread engagement to stop seepage.

4) Output shaft/axle seal (manual or automatic rear seal)
- Steps:
a. Raise vehicle, remove driveshaft/axle from transmission output yoke.
b. Remove old seal: pry carefully to avoid damaging bore.
c. Inspect seal bore and shaft for scoring; polish minor scratches; replace seal with correct orientation and seated flush using a seal driver.
d. Reinstall driveshaft/axle, torque to spec, refill/check fluid level, test drive.
- Theory: Shaft seals are radial lip seals that keep pressurized fluid in while allowing a rotating shaft to pass. Lip wear, hardening, or shaft scoring allows fluid to pass. Installing a new seal restores the elastomeric lip that contacts the shaft creating a hydrodynamic/pressure barrier.

5) Input shaft/front pump seal or torque converter seal (requires transmission removal)
- Steps:
a. Drain fluid, remove driveshaft(s), unbolt transmission from engine, support and remove transmission (use proper transmission jack).
b. With gearbox out, remove the torque converter or input shaft seal.
c. Inspect mating surfaces: pump shaft, torque converter pilot, and seal bore for wear. Replace seal and correct any damaged hardware.
d. Refit transmission, torque bolts to spec, refill with proper amount/type, test.
- Theory: These internal seals are exposed to high pressure and rotational movement. When they fail, pressurized fluid is forced past the seal into bellhousing/engine area. Replacement restores static and dynamic sealing features and correct preload/clearance, stopping the route for fluid escape.

6) Transfer case, output flange, or yoke seal
- Steps:
a. Diagnose whether leak is transmission or transfer case by locating fluid type/colour and highest wet point.
b. For transfer case seal replacement: remove driveshaft, replace seal like output shaft seal, inspect yoke and mating surfaces, reassemble, refill transfer case fluid.
- Theory: Same as shaft seals — the new seal reestablishes the contact lip and prevents fluid migration out along rotating shafts.

7) Bellhousing/seam or dowel pin leak (rare)
- Steps:
a. Inspect bellhousing seam for seepage. If fluid is coming from between engine and transmission, check for failed internal seals (torque converter seal) before attempting seam repairs.
b. If bellhousing itself is cracked/warped, replace the housing or the affected part per manufacturer guidance.
- Theory: Fluid at the seam often indicates an internal seal failure pushing fluid out; replacing the internal seal stops fluid before it reaches the seam. Structural damage requires replacement because cracks cannot seal under pressure.

D. Final steps after repair (always do)
1. Refill with correct fluid to the correct level. Use manufacturer check procedure (engine running/cold/hot as required). Theory: Correct level ensures proper hydraulic pressure, lubrication and cooling; overfill or underfill causes leaks or damage.
2. Torque bolts to Toyota specifications and follow bolt tightening sequence. Theory: Uneven or under torque causes gasket stress and leaks.
3. Run the vehicle through operating temperature and inspect for leaks; test drive and recheck. Theory: Confirms repair under real operating conditions.
4. Dispose of used fluid properly.

E. How each repair fixes the fault — concise recap
- Gasket/pan replacement replaces a failed static gasket that lost compressibility or was damaged.
- Hose/line replacement removes cracked/porous or loose fittings and restores a pressurized fluid path with proper sealing (new washers/clamps).
- Shaft/seal replacement replaces worn elastomer sealing lips that no longer exclude fluid from rotating interfaces.
- Internal seal (torque converter/input pump) replacement restores dynamic sealing at high‑pressure interfaces; often requires transmission removal because the seal is inside the bellhousing.
- Correct reassembly, torque, and fluid level restore the designed clamping force and hydraulic conditions so the new seals/gaskets can function as intended.

Common pitfalls to avoid (short)
- Don’t reuse old crush washers or warped gaskets.
- Don’t overfill transmission.
- Don’t substitute incorrect fluid type.
- Don’t install seals backwards; clean surfaces thoroughly before seating a new seal.
- If you find severe scoring, pitting, or warped parts, seals alone won’t fix the leak — replace the damaged component.

That’s the ordered diagnostic and repair logic with the theory behind why each repair stops the leak.
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