Is my transfer case leaking?

Noticed this while under the car earlier looking around. Should I be concerned, and does anyone have experience with this repair if it is...

 

It appears to be weeping. Any drips on the ground? How many miles?

 

Nothing on the ground, but what I noticed in the picture. Amber/clear on my finger. It’s just over 107k used from the dealership. I have about 30 days left on my used warranty. I’ve already been to the dealership three times for brakes (all replaced and STILL squeaking) and guess need to go again for this issue. I love the car but it’s becoming a headache.

 

If it's amber/clear, at 107K I wouldn't be too concerned. If you have access and some mechanical ability, you might want to try to re-torque the bolts, in the suggested pattern. Just my suggestion, not gospel.

As for the brake squeaking, try a few emergency break checks. Cleans the pads ... as long as they're already beaded in. I've been told that Toyota changes their brake material often. Had a '95 Lexus LS400 that had terrible brake "grumble" 'til the front pads were changed. It also ate rear pads like popcorn.

BTW, is this a "reputable" Toyota dealer that you go to?

 

Thanks for the reply! I think it is a reputable dealer as they have been more than accommodating in the past with my wife’s Camry. I did find it odd though that after replacing the pads/rotors I had specifically asked if I should bed the breaks and they said not to worry about it. I did it anyways, but maybe not we’ll enough. My biggest concern is that when my warranty expires I’ll find more issues as I do find it hard to believe they didn’t notice the weeping transfer case or the break issue. Could have been a quick turn for them though.

 

Brakes shouldn't squeak.

 

Update for those that care: they're going to look at the brakes (again) on Friday when they replace the transfer case seal. I hope this will be the end of my service issues for a while.

 

I bought a new 2020 4runner in April and my brakes squeak the first few times I hit the brakes. Usually happens in the morning when it's cold then it's goes away after a minute of 2 of driving. Wife wants me to take it to the dealership but by the time I drive over there it will stop squeaking.

 

Update: I had the car fixed today (they replaced at least one seal on the transfer case), and they told me they had driven afterwards and all was okay. I got in the car today and after about ten minutes of driving noticed what sounded like a door or window was open. I pulled over to make sure all were closed, and they were. As I kept driving it sounded like there was almost a hole in the floor until i realized it was coming from the transfer case shifter. It sounds like you can hear through the floor and is concurrent with acceleration and deceleration. I called today and they can't look at it until Tuesday, but I want my damn car fixed! At this point this vehicle feels like a lemon and I don't know if I can get to the point where I won't worry something is always wrong with it. Am I losing my mind? Has this happened to anyone with a transfer case seal fix? This is the fifth time of returning to the dealership since last month when I bought it used from them.

 

I think it’s just a luck of the draw. Car has over 100k, which isn’t A LOT, but it’s enough to start seeing some maintenance pop up. I think it’s more so maybe a poor dealer than the vehicle. Hope everything gets resolved and you can have 100k trouble free miles!

 

Reviving this tread as I noticed mine as the same oil around the transfer case. Did you get the issue fixed?

 

The only transfer case leak I've had so far was on my 97' Tacoma. It was the rear output shaft seal. I noticed it before the power train warranty expired so my dealership fixed it no problem.

 

OP states he had the leaking issue resolved.

 

OP. Trade it in for a car that they can fix. I have 2005 4runner - purchased new from a dealer - and have had no issues in 15 years and 177,000 miles.

 

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made an appointment with mine today. Vehicle was a lease. Got it in March 2021 with 32k on the odometer and now has 34k. I purchased the extended power train warranty just in case. Here are some pics

 

Looks like a case seal leak rather that the output shaft seal, but picture doesn't capture output shaft.

 

Never had any fluid leaks in my 2005 4runner (177,000 miles). I do get a drip or two of oil from the "pan area", but the Toyota is 15 years old.

Every car I've ever owned would drip oil eventually. Whoever invents a better way to stop the "common" oil leaks will be a billionaire.

I was going to buy a new (newer) 4runner, but the current runner starts and runs so fine, it wouldn't be a good move. No rust on the body is amazing to me. My GMC Jimmy rusted so bad I sold it to get it out of the driveway.

Resale on used 15-year-old cars (even a Toyota) that run this good are not worth it IMO

I bought my daughter a new Camry because of my experience with the 4runner.
That was a good move because she got a job in ten days after graduation from Florida State at the world's biggest discount broker, and probably would not have gotten the job without transportation.

BTW.. Florida State's winningest coach OAT died a few weeks ago. Bobby Bowden was a great man!

 

Yes I’m thinking it might just be the seal. These were the only areas that I saw oil. It goes all the way to the front of the transfer case. None on the actuator though.