What is this oily thing?

[jeffcon]

@On the RX that’s what I thought too, but I can’t think of another reason that it would be in the state it was for me. Breather connected all the way up and when I filled and subsequently checked, the level was right at the fill line, if a little bit dripping out still as well though.

I think I know another potential reason and that is on my IFS front setup there is supposed to be a splash guard just below the breather port, and I had troubles with the shop that did my gear swap, I reminded them several times to ensure they didn’t forget to move the diff breather splash guard over. I checked the old one and it wasn’t present, but they assured me it was done. (They had numerous issues like forgetting to actually torque my LCA BJ, installed the rear gear locked and couldn’t figure out why the tires chirped around town until I suggested that maybe they installed it locked, etc..)

 

[WildCrustacean]

@DaveInDenver , it looks like your other breather is missing the cap.

@WildCrustacean, do you have a second breather there? I don't see it in the pic.

I do not have a second breather like that. I know some people reroute the rear breather with a hose, but mine doesn't have that.

 

[KC Masterpiece]

I had the same issue on the 60. Breather valve was sticking. My theory is that pressure builds due to heat and elevation changes. When you are driving all of the gear oil is sloshing around and some makes it into the breather and is pushed up towards the valve. With a partially clogged or sticky valve it occasionally "burps" some fluid out. It has not returned on the 60 since I removed the valve and cleaned the grime out.

 

[On the RX]

This is where my two breather are on my 3rd gen 4runner.