Mystery diagnosis (car edition)

Hey guys,
So I was wondering what you guys think might be going on? Looked into the passenger wheel well and saw thick oil. These are the pictures I took for visuals. I have unfortunately not gone off roading due to other things. Just normal street driving and this is how it is. Any thoughts?

Of course I go to schedule an appointment and their system is broken saying they don’t have appointments for the next year

 

Appears to be coming from the CV Joint boot.

 

CV joint grease. Your boot is likely torn or split, or mis-seated.

 

Looking at your driveline angles. How much lift do you have?

Billies set a max?

That’ll do it! Hard on the boots.

 

Based off the 360 degrees of grease in line with the boot, I’d agree. Probably have a tear from wear on it in one of the creases. Even without off roading it happens.

 

Just 3 inches. I’ve had the lift for 14,000 miles.

 

Ugh you think Toyota would cover it? Just passed the 24,000 mile mark.

 

I think they make boots that can handle that amount of lift with greater reliability. I’d look into that.

 

Look at the spray pattern. It's coming from the CV where it meets the wheel hub or something got splashed up on the CV and it slung it.

 

No off-roading! Why is the sway bar disconnected?

 

Uhhh.....I think OP means in recent days. His Avatar shows off-roading.

 

I doubt they would have covered it with the lift. Lift puts excessive wear on stock boots, would have been hard to argue it wasnt caused by the lift. Sucks but easy fix. I'd invest in some aftermarket boots.

 

Bummer! Oh well. Do you have any recommendations for better cv boots?

 

Part of the whole lift thing, sucks none the less. When my 11 (haven't lifted my last 2 tacos) needed one I replaced with OEM, but have heard good things about these and also CVJ axles/boots. Most just replace the whole half shaft since its easier / about same amount of time / work and you're already in there.

https://sdhqoffroad.com/products/sdhq-built-direct-replacement-cv-boot-kits

 

Depending on how long it has been like that, you may need more than a new boot. Once you start slinging grease out and allowing dirt and water in, the CV joint starts to wear rapidly.

 

It’s been less than 500 miles like that. Here in Arizona it doesn’t rain much and it’s only been on the road.

 

Not sure how much it helps exactly, but after my lift I pulled the boots back a bit more so the creases weren't rubbing against one another.

 

I agree with others. Your CV boot cracked and the grease spun out. What grease you have left is probably contaminated with dirt, water, and yucky stuff which will quickly grind and wear out the bearings. You need a new CV joint assembly complete with new bearings, clean grease and sealed in a new boot.

Common fix that any mechanic can do.

 

This is a very common issue with 4x4 Tacomas running lifts...most anyone that has a 4x4 with ~3" of lift has had this happen at some point in time, if they haven't yet then they will. More front end height increases the angles of the boots (unless you do a drop bracket lift) and they will wear faster due to this.

Fortunately, CV axles are relatively easy and cheap to replace...most people and shops will tell you to just replace the axle rather than reboot it. OEM axles are expensive and much stronger than most aftermarket brands, so it's worth spending that extra money if you can. Although a few of the weaker aftermarket companies have lifetime warranties (which OEM does not) so that's something else to consider.

If Toyota won't warranty it (which I highly doubt they will), I really encourage you to try and tackle it yourself if you have any degree of experience with DIY repairs...it's a pretty basic job with basic tools except you'll need a 35mm socket for the axle nut (most people don't carry those in your average tool kits). Also a torque wrench capable of going up to at least 150 ft lbs. And the usual tools like floor jack, jack stands, wrenches, pry bar, etc.

If you have Toyota do it out of your pocket, it's going to be at least a $600 job I bet. First time I replaced an axle I had a local shop do it for $500, which in hindsight was a huge rip-off...the first time I did it myself after that, it took less than an hour on the side of a snowy road with some help from a friend. After that I'm confident I could do it solo, it's really not that bad.

 

Curious and only slightly off topic...for a lifted rig (say 3"), how long do you see CV boots lasting? I ask because my FJ Cruiser had a 3" with Toytec springs and 5100s with LR UCAs. I sold it with around 85k on the clock, with 45k lifted, and never had a CV boot issue. All original. Out of the ordinary or typical for some folks?