Mystery leak

Hi, I recently purchased a 2019 4Runner TRD off-road premium used from the dealer. It’s got just under 50k miles. I noticed it occasionally has a subtle grinding/knocking type noise when backing up at a sharp turn. I can barely hear it but feel it in the steering wheel. It only last a few seconds and goes away when I begin driving forward after a few seconds. I crawled under and found this leak on the passenger side. I can’t tell where the drip is coming from. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance!

 

your experience steering and the side where you’ve discovered fluid has me thinking power steering.

 

Check the CV boot for tears just in case, but yeah, might be power steering fluid. I just changed my PS fluid recently and spilled some and dripped down then frame rail and I think some dripped around there.

Maybe the PS fluid was recently serviced and they didn’t clean up the mess. I would look around and clean up any oil you see, then monitor to see if it keeps leaking. If it does, hopefully warrantee will cover it.

Regarding the grinding, might be unrelated. Does it have oversized tires, or aftermarket wheels that extend further outboard? Eitherbof those things result in some degree of rubbing in certain conditions.

 

Thanks for the replies. I hadn't considered the power steering fluid. I checked the levels and no signs of it being low. Maybe it was a little spill while being serviced. I'll have to get it cleaned up to see if it continues. I'm starting the wonder if what I'm feeling in the steering wheel and hearing is something to do with the CV joint. Seems like low miles for any issues there but who knows?

 

if it is a heavy grease - its the CV axle, if not, something above is leaking - could be power steering fluid. Have you checked your power steering levels?