Hello this is my first post here and have major problems with my 2003 4runner v8, ok my first problem is my rear axle is leeking gear oil out all over the brakes and smoking and is currently at toyota getting fixed, this really has me puzzled since it has less than 10K on it, has anyone else seen this problem, this is kind of discouraging since I traded in my 97 4runner with 200k on it with no problems. My second problem is the transmission, when I put it in drive it takes as long as 6 seconds to go into drive! It has been at toyota 2 times and both times they tell me it's normal and has to build up pressure but I test drove another one and it does not seem to have this problem at all. I will keep you posted about the leaking alxle seal.

The rear axle problem may be related to a clogged breather valve. Have you been in mud recently or cross streams often??

Take a look at this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...=&threadid=123

Have your Toyota dealership check the breather valve to make sure that it's not damaged/clogged. If it is clogged, then the pressure build up may cause axle fluid leakage.

Good luck.

I haven't been off-roading at all, this 4runner has only seen the street.

My V8 4x4 takes a few seconds first thing in the morning to engage Drive from pulling out of the garage. Maybe like 2-4 seconds before I feel the driveline go taunt.

I chalked it up to normal, my wifes Subaru does the same thing. I think a few other people have said it is normal also on their Runner.

Rear axle is a bummer. My only lingering compalint of my Runner is the squeeking brakes, sounds like a bus. Dealer has adjusted rear brakes twice and cleaned them an additional time. grrrr.

No squeaks, no leaks, nor delayed tranmission engaging here.

Same here.

I would try taking your rig to another dealer to see if they can adjust the brakes properly.

When I started my truck this morning, I realized that it took around two seconds to click into the drive. This is the first time I have every experienced this. I think the reason for this is that I did not use it since Saturday night. Mine does not do it all of the time though. I would bring your truck in again for the same problem, and if they cannot fix it, request it to be lemon lawed out. That will get the dealer's attention, believe me. From what you said, it would be your third time into the dealer for the same problem.

So far so good with mine. My 4Runner has only 1000Km.

2004 4runner Limited V8
Valor tip
Thule skiracks
3rd row seats

So far so good, mine has 9000 miles on it.

No problems here but maybe you should get the dealer to throw in an extended warranty, the rear axle leaking could be a freak thing and a 1 time only problem, these vehicles are mass produced and a faulty part found it's way into 1, I've seen weird problems on certain cars enough times that I would not be to concerned about it, once they fix it, the rear end will practically be replaced/rebuilt, just be glad it happened within warranty time, they say it will either go bad or not, if it was a common problem their would be more then just you posting about it.

It's still a pain in the butt, but if you where to call Toyota and complain Im sure they would do something for you, they are into the whole customer satisfaction thing and you traded in a 4Runner for a 4Runner, they also like happy repeat buyers.

Make sure they replace your rear pads, the pads and oil don't mix, as for 1 time weird problems their was an owner who had to have 1 side (2 shocks, front and rear) of his X-Reas replaced cause a tiny O-ring was bad and oil was leaking out, considering that the X-Reas is made by Yamaha you would think it would never break

As for your trans, what are the conditions that it takes so long to shift, is it cold and does it sit, I would say mine takes 2-4 seconds but I always kinda let it roll forward before I touch the gas, mine is no rocket after I shift, their is a pause before it does shift and if I do hit the gas it gives me whip lash when it does go forward, it could also be the delayed drive by wire and the computer that learns your driving technique, if more then 1 driver it messes it up or just confuses it.

Thanks for all the posts guys, I just heard back from the dealer they are just replacing the seal they say it's a common thing on these? I also asked him about the pressure valve on the rear and he said it was fine but I might replace and add some hose to it anyway to get it up higher and out of harms way. I am also going to make sure they replace the brake pads.

Then again, I usually go straight into reverse after starting my truck. I have noticed that the shift points are a bit different when the truck is cold but I suspect this is normal.

My first Toyota 4X4 pickup had about less than 1K on it when I had to have both the front disc brakes replaced, everything.
At the factory they installed something incorrect I can't remember what.

My ponit is that sometimes things are installed wrong and they need fixed It does not mean your trucks crap.
Look over the history of Toyota they have a great record of good running cars and trucks.

Replacing what seal?