Mysterious oil leak + wierd sound.. see pictures - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Mins · 01-19-2006, 05:14 PM

Hi people,
I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this.
I own a 2005 corolla automatic with 4400 miles on it. Today I was looking underneath my car and noticed a trace of oil leak near my passenger side CV joint. It is definately not a brake fluid, since brake line is nowhere near the CV joint. I've included some pictures.

This is driver's side CV joint, which looks fine.

This is the passenger side CV joint. Some sort of leak is visible.

Another view of the leak.

What could be causing such leak? It shouldnt be water since it hasnt rained here for days. I also notice a slight, but clearly audible squeaking sound at passenger side front wheels, which is the place where the leak is. It sounds as if the brake pads are touching the rotor.
Any input will be greatly helpful. Thanks!

canadianae92 · 01-19-2006, 05:50 PM

I beleive that would be a transmission fluid leak, you have to replace the seals or what ever you called it, my tranny was leaking fluid and i had the same thing only the whole area was wet and I replaced the seal and its good so far.

edit: never mind i just noticed its on the brake side, its probably brake fluid not much else can get their.

Corolla101 · 01-19-2006, 06:55 PM

doesn't look like much of a leak at all, wash off the area and check back in a week to see if it really is a leak

94_Rolla_Guy · 01-19-2006, 07:11 PM

maybe one of the sealed wheel bearings in the hub is leaking grease?? kinda a long shot but i can't think of anything else

Froggmann · 01-20-2006, 05:03 PM

You know if it has that many miles and something is squeaking then I would just take it in under warranty. Have them inspect the bearing in case it is bad and overheating also have the brakes checked to see if the caliper is sticking.

CorollaULEV · 01-21-2006, 12:05 AM

On a car with only 4400 miles on it, I wouldn't worry much about something that small. My guess....it very well may be a small leak from the CV joint OR the wheel bearing. However, I'd rather think that is simply related to the break-in period. Toyota might have packed a little too much grease inside the wheel bearing or (more likely) the CV joint - and it's gotta have somewhere to go. Just watch and see what happens.

Trav