[jwna04]

I have an '04 I bought new...150K miles currently. Rear Main Seal is out, and local Honda Dealership quoted me $1,600 to repair. I'm seeing a fraction of this cost...though 10 years ago. Is $1,600 in line today with hourly rates? Tech told me 8 hour job. Better break down - $1,560 (Labor Cost)

 

[jwna04]

I should clarify...the prices I read on this repair were read from this website. I'm trying to verify labor rates (online), not finding good info at 10pm. AAA ranges $47-$215. I'm clearly on the high-end at $195. Many thanks!!

 

[Ted]

8 hours, $1600. Is $18X per hour (plustax) the going rate in your area? You may find less expensive at independent shop. Perhaps a tranny shop that does tranny R&R every day, and so is faster,

 

[jwna04]

Thanks...I have an independent shop I've worked with (20yrs)...I called him first. Long story short, he couldn't get to it and confirmed dealership's synopsis. Just sticker shocked...

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

run a bottle of this through the crank case, you will thank me later.

ATP Automotive | Automatic Transmission Parts

atpautomotive.com

don't believe me? youtube it...

boatloads of documented success stories, that cant be refuted.

or you can drop 1560 bux.

 

[jiantao]

Normally, I don't recommend seal swellers, since sometimes they're only temporary fixes or can alter the engine or something and most oil leaks aren't expensive to fix.

That being said, the rear main seal is one I would make an exception for. Lots of people have used the AT-205 recommended above with success. Give it a shot first.

The RMS if you choose to fix it isn't something you really need to go to a dealer for. The reason the labor is so expensive, I believe, is because they need to remove the transmission out of the car. I'd get a few quotes from other independent shops or transmission shops.

 

[nitely2]

Try the AT-205 first. If the cause of the leak is the RMS, you should see some improvement. Less leak or completely stop it, depending on your situation. However, there is another possible cause for the leak that will also come out of the RMS area. This is the "O" ring located at the top of the RMS. If the additive did not work, (which was my case btw) this is your issue. Its somewhat common for these vans, I think. I have replaced this O ring as well as the RMS when I swapped out a reman tranny 2 years ago. Look here for some pix new how to remove transmission video coming, step by step

Doing the RMS is the same procedure when doing transmission removal. Local transmission shops charges around 6-7 bills for labor. Call around.

 

[megatron]

Totally concur with trying the AT-205. I had a RMS leak on my Pilot at 120K miles. Used one bottle in the oil and the leak stopped! Haven't used it since and now I am at 205K miles and still no leaks! This stuff is magic! I think it depends on how severe your leak is to begin with... mine was a few drops here and there, but no puddles or anything.

 

[rman]

Honda of Renton told me my 2003 rear seal was leaking 10years ago and roughly quoted $5000 to fix. I caught their bluff and replaced couple of gaskets near the oil pump myself over a weekend (2hour job). Also replaced the PCV valve (30min job). Do not assume the dealership is telling the truth. The GDP of this country will drop by 30% if you remove all the wastage and unnecessary work that is quoted and may not even be done sometimes. Another guy told me my engine mounts were leaking and wanted $600 to replace and this was 4years ago. Another shop told me my shocks were going and needed to be replaced and that was 14years ago. None of these required replacement. I am still driving the van and it drives like new. So many scammers! Caveat Emptor. Also, dont believe that independent mechanic diagnosis either, if he couldnt get to it how the hell was he able to confirm the rear main seal is out?. Sometimes they just go along with the earlier diagnosis to make a quick buck and get you off their list. The rear main seal is probably just fine, check replace PCV valve and also the VTEC solenoid valve first.

 

[Ted]

Honda of Renton told me my 2003 rear seal was leaking 10years ago and roughly quoted $5000 to fix. I caught their bluff and replaced couple of gaskets near the oil pump myself over a weekend (2hour job). Also replaced the PCV valve (30min job). Do not assume the dealership is telling the truth. The GDP of this country will drop by 30% if you remove all the wastage and unnecessary work that is quoted and may not even be done sometimes. Another guy told me my engine mounts were leaking and wanted $600 to replace and this was 4years ago. Another shop told me my shocks were going and needed to be replaced and that was 14years ago. None of these required replacement. I am still driving the van and it drives like new. So many scammers! Caveat Emptor. Also, dont believe that independent mechanic diagnosis either, if he couldnt get to it how the hell was he able to confirm the rear main seal is out?. Sometimes they just go along with the earlier diagnosis to make a quick buck and get you off their list. The rear main seal is probably just fine, check replace PCV valve and also the VTEC solenoid valve first.

Wow! Someone more cynical than I. Rarely encountered, and I certainly can't argue with it.

But I really want to second the advice about the PCV. Make sure it is good.

Also, how bad is the leak? I assume the independent mechanic has a real shop not his driveway. Rarely are they booked up months ahead. Rarely is a RMOS leak so bad it can't wait a week or two. Something sounds off. As does labor rates in Missouri matching NYC or the SF Bay area.