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.
major 2003 4 runner problems
- Thread starter cman
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Thai
Elite Member
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/showthread.php?s=&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.
Take a look at this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&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.
Sac State
New member
Time to engage
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.
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.
Mark86
Super Moderator
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.
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.
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.
mikes4runner
New member
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.
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.
live4swell
Member
cman said:
Replacing what seal?
The toyota dealership said the rear drivers side axle seal was deformed from the factory and was probably leaking for a while, I have been smelling gear oil for a couple months and finally found out that it was the axle seal, I looked on my car to find that smell and never could. I have had my 4runner for about 7 months now.
Was the fluid leaking only on the driver's side brakes or on both sides?cman said:The toyota dealership said the rear drivers side axle seal was deformed from the factory and was probably leaking for a while, I have been smelling gear oil for a couple months and finally found out that it was the axle seal, I looked on my car to find that smell and never could. I have had my 4runner for about 7 months now.
I already got it back it took about 2 days, they just built a super toyota repair center next to me it has a built in enterprise rent-a-car and about 40 bays to repair cars and they even have a automatic car wash so if you buy a car there you get free car washes for life. This is the largest repair center I have ever seen, you pull your car up and the doors automaticlly open and you park inside