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Is this grease leak a problem?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Bodie the Dog, Nov 14, 2019.

  1. Nov 14, 2019 at 6:24 PM
    #1
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2016 4runner TEP, 1994 SR5
    Toytec 3/2 lift, Shrockworks sliders, Shrockworks rear bumper, ARB diff mod, 8 pod RGB LED's, RCI steel front skids, Big Sky katana rack, Reese roof rack
    See any problems here? Swapping out wheels today and found a bunch of grease, chunks, where I wouldn't expect it. But I'm not a wrencher, so was wondering if anyone sees any problems here? Front, passenger side. I've been hearing a "ticking" noise on the trails, when I hit a bump, or even on pavement when I accelerate or break suddenly. Turning the steering wheel doesn't seem to cause this problem. That boot on the right looks oily. Second photo is from the front, but you guys probably know that already, ha. That shiny, wear patch concerns me, but again, I put my skill points into different areas of life, so have zero experience with suspension. Thanks in advance!

    4runner_leak2.jpg
     
  2. Nov 14, 2019 at 8:28 PM
    #2
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    Grease is probably coming from your upper ball joint and that shiny bit is the sway bar that’s part of your KDSS system and it looks normal to me. The KDSS sway bar is connected to the lower control arms via that bushing and bracket. There’s a lot of movement in that system and it looks like mine does when it’s unladen.
     
    Bodie the Dog[OP] likes this.
  3. Nov 14, 2019 at 9:19 PM
    #3
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    393
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    Vehicle:
    2016 4runner TEP, 1994 SR5
    Toytec 3/2 lift, Shrockworks sliders, Shrockworks rear bumper, ARB diff mod, 8 pod RGB LED's, RCI steel front skids, Big Sky katana rack, Reese roof rack
    I've never owned a new car before, ha, so I'm noticing everything new. That ticking noise is bothering me. So a little leakage out of the ball joint is ok?
     
  4. Nov 14, 2019 at 9:56 PM
    #4
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    May be if there’s too much grease in the boot but I haven’t noticed anything myself on mine.

    I’m curious about this ticking noise you hear.

    the boot you see is the protective boot over the constant velocity joint (CV joint) and it looks perfectly normal. Your CV is the joint that connects that half shaft to the front differential and provides power to the front wheels when 4x4 is engaged and the automatic diff disconnect engages the front half shafts (axles).
    It looks normal to me. It’s not split or have a heavy oily residue on it.
     
    Bodie the Dog[OP] likes this.
  5. Nov 14, 2019 at 10:01 PM
    #5
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    New Mexico
    Oil spillage from when the filter was changed??
     
  6. Nov 14, 2019 at 10:02 PM
    #6
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    On the passenger side lower control arm? The oil filter is no where near that on the 5th gen.
     
    wmdtech and WallyT4R like this.
  7. Nov 14, 2019 at 10:05 PM
    #7
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Ticking from the engine or ticking over every bump in the road?
     
  8. Nov 14, 2019 at 10:58 PM
    #8
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    393
    Gender:
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    Vehicle:
    2016 4runner TEP, 1994 SR5
    Toytec 3/2 lift, Shrockworks sliders, Shrockworks rear bumper, ARB diff mod, 8 pod RGB LED's, RCI steel front skids, Big Sky katana rack, Reese roof rack
    Ticking when I hit a bump, like a suspension kind of sound. I can also replicate the sound in a paved parking lot, stopping or accelerating suddenly. My wife says just turn up the stereo, lol. I looked for dripping stuff above the site, but didn't find anything. My tire shop says it also needs an alignment, so I'm getting that done Monday when they replace my airbags. We'll see what the dealer says.
     
    WallyT4R[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Mar 4, 2021 at 8:21 PM
    #9
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2019
    Member:
    #11975
    Messages:
    393
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 4runner TEP, 1994 SR5
    Toytec 3/2 lift, Shrockworks sliders, Shrockworks rear bumper, ARB diff mod, 8 pod RGB LED's, RCI steel front skids, Big Sky katana rack, Reese roof rack
    Figured it out. It was my stabilizer bar end bushings. Plus, the shop that did my lift apparently reinstalled the bushing brackets on the wrong sides.
     

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