Hello,
My 2007 Toyota 4Runner (SR5 V8, full-time AWD, 147,000 miles) developed a burning smell and oil leak coming from the driver's side back wheel starting around February. Took the car to the dealership mid-April. They diagnosed the problem as "rear brake caliper leaking" and so I got the caliper and brake pads replaced as recommended.
When I got the car back, the problem persisted. This time, I found a pool of oil (looked like pancake syrup) at the inside of the wheel so I took the car back the second time early May. Their second diagnosis was "leakage in the rear axle seal" so I replaced the axle seal as they recommended.
After getting the car back the second time, I took it to a manual car wash and thoroughly cleaned the area to avoid any misdiagnosis. I can still notice a whiff of burning oil when getting in/out of the car after driving around town. Entire caliper is still damp with oil. When I reach in between the spokes and feel both the caliper and lower part of the brake rotor, I get grease on my hands as if I'd just eaten fried chicken without wiping my hands off. Other three wheels are rusty, but perfectly clean and dry.
Here are my questions:
- At this point I am starting to question the initial diagnosis. If I was a DIY car enthusiast and wanted to take this as a learning opportunity, I would've started out small by replacing the caliper seal and go from there. Can a leaking brake fluid cause a burning smell? During the first repair session, I did have the front two calipers replaced because they were seizing up and caused steering wheel vibration (problem now fixed). Somehow coincidentally it was also a caliper problem for the back wheel? There's now an unmistakable oil stain on the garage floor at the spot where that wheel goes when parked. I actually don't know what the texture/consistency of brake fluid is supposed to be; all I know is that I'm getting greasy, yellow oil on my hands.
- What else could possibly be causing the burning oil smell? I've been told the axle bearing is fine, and nothing has been dripping from the center middle of the car.
- Car is 15 years old... not surprised that it's leaking oil. However, can a problem like this be fixed completely, or can it turn into something chronic that I'll have to deal with? I understand the car can't be good as new but at least expected the issue to be solved, especially after spending almost 25% of the car's value on repairs this past month.
My apologies for such a long post. Your insights are appreciated. Thank you in advance.
"Doc, help! My bleeding won't stop..."
JYS
you a Navy SEAL??
Negative. Not me in the Teams. The username has totally different context, so no need to get excited. Btw there’s nothing vanilla about them SEALs…
Took the car to the dealership
That was mistake #1
Clearly they are grossly incompetent, which is not at all unusual for dealerships.
Get a referral to an honest independent mechanic.
Can a leaking brake fluid cause a burning smell?
Certainly. Brakes get REALLY hot.
So is it still leaking, or is it all just residual oil trapped in the nooks and crannies? Is the brake fluid level going down?
If it is, then I think they should repair it for you free of charge since the misdiagnosed TWICE. Anybody can tell difference between leaking gear oil and brake fluid just by smelling it , feeling it between your finger tips, or check the reservoir level.
I bet it's a damaged rubber brake line.
, can a problem like this be fixed completely, or can it turn into something chronic that I'll have to deal with?
Of course. Replacing the necessary parts should completely solve the issue. This is not something you need to live with at all.
I have replaced the rear axle seals on Toyotas several times and discovered that, after the new seal leaked again, the bearing was the actual culprit. It was worn so that no new seal wouldn't have helped. I replaced both rear axle bearings and seals and it solved the problem. The bearings are kind of a pain because they are press fit on the axle shafts. I think, like @mmj, the dealer ripped you off on the brake job.
UPDATE: Will be going to the dealership this morning to jack up the car and see what's going on. As mentioned by MountainManJoe, I will be pretty upset if the culprit turns out to be a simple brake hose or brake line. Been watching a bunch of YouTube videos on those. Don't know much about car repairs, but if anything leaks, any joints, seals, hoses, and lines would be the first things I'd check. Like fixing a leaky garden hose or washing machine... common sense. Thank you again for your inputs. Will provide further updates as necessary.