I just happened upon this thread that i actually started, I never did take mine in and it has around 98,000 miles on it now and it doesn't seem to be leaking anymore then it was over 70,000 miles ago. But i'm not saying that it would work out that way for everyone else though. but in my case, i'm glad i didn't take mine it in and have it torn apart.

Anyone else of issues with this? My 2011 has evidence of oil seeping from this cover. I brought it into the dealer (still on CPO warranty) about 4 months ago and they insisted it was just mud on my engine... Mud that was oily and only around that cover... So i told them to clean it off so we can see if this oily mud comes back. They cleaned it so there was no evidence of 'mud' and now it is back. I will be taking it in to have it fixed, hopefully it is not an issue. They are so clueless and so used to dealing with people that don't know squat about cars that it is nauseating to hear some of the BS they spew.

Before I really dig into them, does anyone know if they is something (oil leak) that should be covered under the Toyota CPO warranty?

thanks!

I just spotted this last weekend on my 2006 V6 while underneath changing the oil and differential fluids on front, rear, and T-case. My vehicle has 190k so some things should be expected but the timing (no pun intended) couldn't really be any worse...just spent ~$3000 over last 2 months on repairing rear main seal leak, replacing front driver's side wheel bearing hub, and replacing belt tensioner pulley. I cleaned off the area near the power steering pump where I noticed most of the accumulation to get a feeling of how bad the leak is and it would probably be more accurate to call this a "slow seep" from what I can tell on the topside without getting underneath.

Is this where most others are noticing the leak as well? I got a quote from my trusted mechanic and its going to be somewhere in ballpark of $1600 to fix this. I am planning to keep an eye on it to see if I've got some time on my side before my $3000 in repairs quickly jumps to $4600. Sometimes it feels like being proactive on maintenance of a vehicle is just a curse....

Just a suggestion, but if you feel that way about them now... maybe take your 4Runner to a different dealership? I wouldn't want people like that being the ones I entrust my 4Runner too...

If you trade it or sell it and buy a newer 4Runner... then certainly there is a cost associated with that, though with a warranty it's easier to plan for. With an older 4Runner with your mileage, the monthly cost is significantly lower but repairs like this especially ones you can't do on your own can add up quick. You pay up front or on the back end, the choice is up to you.

Update: I have been monitoring this leak for several months now and there is no change in the oil level. It is either a very small seep or is no longer seeping. It doesn't appear to be worth fixing it.

Not a timing cover leak but I found these oil spots on the rear differential while greasing the driveshafts few days ago. Is this worth mentioning on my upcoming 10K service? 2016 SR5 premium, stock. I apologise in advance for derailing the thread...

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

2016 4Runner , left side of engine with less than 1k miles. Several drips hanging, crossmembers are wet , oil cooler lines are wet.

Attached Images

 

This sucks, plain and simple. I hope they fix it right the first time. I think it would be prudent to ask the dealership/Toyota for some kind of an extended warranty on their dime.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

I'm at 30k, went to do my oil change a few weeks ago. I was met with oil residue on the passenger side suspension, crossmember, and power steering lines along the front of the engine, and above the oil filter which I checked. It was engine oil because my dip stick dropped about half way between the dots and it tasted like oil. Took it to the dealer, and they recommended cleaning the engine and running it at high idle to see where the leak is coming from. They did that, with no results. There was no apparent leak even after I mentioned the timing cover and they checked it there specifically. They dyed the engine oil and told me to drive 500-1200 miles and then bring it back, while keeping an eye on it for leaks/loss of fluid. I drove 750 miles over a weekend trip and brought it back in. I hadn't observed any leaks, seeping or loss of fluid over that trip (checking every 100 miles), but I told them to take a look. They called back to confirm that there wasn't any oil to be seen, and that everything was OK on their end. So for now, my oil leak has magically disappeared. I changed my oil this weekend and noticed no dye color (just dirty oil) but took a sample to sent in to Black Stone to check for any type of an added sealant in the oil. Call me paranoid. So that's it, that's my story. Hopefully it won't be an issue again, but time will tell.

Took mine in today and the parts are on order to fix the leak on my 4runner.; 2015 4Runner Trail with 31k miles which has had the issue since my first oil change @ 10k.

Said they'll need to keep it for 1.5 days. Anyone know what goes into the fix? I know it's resealing things but what has to be taken out or apart in order to fix the issue on the 5th generations?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Recall just issued for the 16-17 Tacoma for this type of issue. If that is coming from the diff and not something dripping onto the diff.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pretty sure they take the engine out for the repair.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting, I was thinking it was a bit simpler on the 5th generations. Just want it fixed, I hate the burning smell I get at times.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking at my T4R I thinks it's highly unlikely they have to remove the entire engine to reseal the timing cover. Lots of room in there. At Infiniti we do the QX56/80 timing chain recall without removing the engine. It's a v8 and a tighter fit. Maybe there is a Toyota tech on here that can say for sure. Just my 2 cents

I have a seep from my timing cover too, verified by my service department.
I did not want it addressed as it's just a seep and I only have 5K miles ( 2016 Trd Pro ). I have warranty to 8 years/75k so I'll wait till it's dumping or close to my warranty expiration.
Leaks happen not a big deal in my eyes, service dept. was honest and forwards about the leak. Not super common on such a low mile vehicle but what cha gonna do.