Brake fluid leak?

Hi all

2020 4runner with over 94k miles. While doing tire rotation today I noticed the front passenger wheel area was coated with this fluid that is brownish/grayish. Could this be a slow brake fluid leak?
Brake fluid reservoir shows the level smack in the middle, I don't remember what the brake fluid level was when it was new. All other fluids level normal as well.

How concern should I be? I rotated tires 6k miles ago and pretty sure it wasn't like this. Should I take it in ASAP? or keep an eye on the fluid and top it off as needed for now?

Thanks!

 

Check the CV boot.

 

If you never replaced the brake fluid it could be brownish in the calipers bodies as the gunk tends to collect there.
So your concerns about brake leak is a good theory. I would add more fluid (photo before & after) and use it locally. Check fluid daily.
If the bleeder was driping you would notice, so that points to a piston? Keep this brown gunk off your pads and rotors.
Once soaked into either or both you may need complete replacement.

 

VN boots is clean. Upon closer look it could be the Eibach shock that’s leaking?

 

Judging by the ‘wetness’ pattern it’s either engine oil or somewhere in the driveline.

The brake line connections and mounting flange on the spindle look dry so no leak there, if it were somewhere in the caliper you’d see signs on the spindle, UCA/LCA ball joints, etc. Since the shock body and I think I see signs of contamination on the shock’s Piston Rod possibly a blown/leaking shock absorber?

The brake fluid reservoir should have been topped off when the brakes have new pads in them and the fluid level naturally lowers as the brakes wear in.

I would look along the passenger side (since this appears to be that side of the vehicle) of the engine, from the valve cover on down the side and across the front of the engine block to see if you observe any similar ‘wetness’

 

If you never serviced the brakes their wear at 94k would lower the brake fluid reservoir as you described.
The front strut/shock could be leaking. 94k is actually about time to replace them.
Since your pics seem to show wetness on the struts/shocks I would make them the most likely issue.

 

I've never flushed brake fluid before, all original still.

Checked inside the engine bay, everything is clean. Looking at the wetness pattern all things point to the leaking Eibach shock strut since the whole shaft is coated with this fluid all around, and it starts from the top down in a conical pattern.

 

The next step then is to give all four corners the ol bounce test. See if that shock is dead.

 

Looks like a leaky strut to me.

 

Just did the bounce test, the leaky side does have a slightly more bounce duration compared to the left.
Thank you all! Will be ordering another set soon.

 

That's your strut/coil over/shock leaking. If it was brake fluid you'd have no brakes and your reservoir would be low. If it was CV boot it would be a splotchy mess all over your fender liner/wheel well.

 

How old is the suspension? I'd reach out to Eibach and see what they can do for you.

 

Brake fluid eats paint. That isnt brake fluid.

 

Those shocks have a lifetime warranty.

You should get a brand new one for free.

 

That looks exactly like when my left front Eibach shock took a shit.

 

Thanks everyone, I will reach out to eibach.

 

I took a photo of the odometer after installation of the Eibach, so about 70k miles.

 

mine failed at 20k and ever since I don't trust the other 3

 

I filed a warranty claim and Eibach is going to replace them free of charge