Mysterious Oil Leak

[stever1000]

I recently noticed a leak under my 2000 4runner. I pulled the skidplates off and couldn't see exactly where the oil may be leaking from, but there was a fair amount on the steering gear box as well as the front diff.
Where should I start looking specifically? I have 181,000miles so the truck definitely isn't brand new...I am hoping it is something easy like valve cover gaskets but I have no idea at this point because the oil is everywhere.... steering rack, diff, diff mounting bolts, starter, etc

Here are some pictures

Sorry for the bad pictures, I don't have a lift so it is stock height!

 

[Tinigunner11]

The best thing to do in this situation is leave the skids off and get a good under carriage wash and degrease. Then drive for a little bit and see where it's dirty. But in the mean time make sure your valve covers are not leaky/ make sure they're torqued properly ( I think it's like 4.5 ft lbs). Could also be a rear main Seal, oil pan, or oil drain plug. Next time you do an oil chang make sure you replace the gasket washer on the drain plug. Most dealerships will just give it to you if you buy and oil filter. If you find out where the leak is coming from update the thread!

 

[IsaiahC]

It could just be from the oil filter when it gets changed. Whenever I take mine off, a bunch of oil gets spilled all over the undercarriage.

 

[vwtech]

I recently noticed a leak under my 2000 4runner. I pulled the skidplates off and couldn't see exactly where the oil may be leaking from, but there was a fair amount on the steering gear box as well as the front diff.
Where should I start looking specifically? I have 181,000miles so the truck definitely isn't brand new...I am hoping it is something easy like valve cover gaskets but I have no idea at this point because the oil is everywhere.... steering rack, diff, diff mounting bolts, starter, etc

From the pictures looks like it comes from up high. Check your valve cover gaskets, and cam plug seals. When I bought my 98 limited a few weeks ago mine was leaking in the same fashion. Get yourself a little inspection mirror from the auto parts store for a couple bucks, and you'll be able to see it easy behind the engine. Mine were just brittle from age.

 

[GHARP57]

The mirror is a good idea, it also wouldn't be a bad idea to freshen up the engine if you haven't touched it in a while. A repair like that includes valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube seals, cam plug on the back of the heads, the half moons on the front resealed, PCV valve and while you are there wires and plugs, maybe clean the throttle body off

 

[stever1000]

The mirror is a good idea, it also wouldn't be a bad idea to freshen up the engine if you haven't touched it in a while. A repair like that includes valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube seals, cam plug on the back of the heads, the half moons on the front resealed, PCV valve and while you are there wires and plugs, maybe clean the throttle body off

Interesting idea - I will look into the part numbers and how to thread.

I think some of the oil could be contributed from a messy oil change, but I agree some of it looks like it could be leaking higher up. I REALLY hope it's not the rear main seal....

 

[GHARP57]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/218944-oem-part-numbers.html#post2668125

 

[alumarine]

How much oil does it use in 5000 clicks?

If not much, I'd put down to accumulated oil spills and I'd stop worrying about it at that point unless you don't like messy things.

A small oil leak isn't going to hurt much unless your rear main seal takes out the clutch on a manual.

 

[stever1000]

I may push the gaskets off until I change my timing belt so I don't have to redo them later
I am at 291,000km and the belt was changed at 210,000km

 

[So Many Roads]

It could just be from the oil filter when it gets changed. Whenever I take mine off, a bunch of oil gets spilled all over the undercarriage.

This. Looks like oil that has spilled from oil filter changes. Wash it off and see if it comes back.

 

[catrains]

Interesting idea - I will look into the part numbers and how to thread.

I think some of the oil could be contributed from a messy oil change, but I agree some of it looks like it could be leaking higher up. I REALLY hope it's not the rear main seal....

using a steam power washer will remove the oils quickly then put some UV dye in the oil and with a UV flash light you will find it pretty quick .

only need like 2 OZ of dye in oil.

 

[Cadaverous]

How much oil does it use in 5000 clicks?

Isn't it 'klick'? Short for Kilometer? I think that's what you're referring to.


Agree on the valve cover gaskets. It does look like its coming from up high, as it's spread all around.