Oil leak near the rear mail seal

[okidoki]

I bought a 2015 GX460 a couple months ago from a Lexus dealer in PA. It had 33.6k miles. One owner and was serviced at that same dealer the whole time. So a fairly new vehicle. I decided to take it to a reputable independent shop today in my town (Michigan) just to get a post purchase inspection. Everything checked out good except they found some oil residue or buildup near the rear mail seal. They asked if I had seen any oil drops on the pavement. I have not. And my oil level has been the same since I've had the truck. They suggested to just keep an eye on it. They did say its pretty unusual for that to happen with that low mileage. They also said it could be because it was used to tow. The truck came with a brake controller. That's how they knew it was used to tow.

So I would like to ask here what you guy's opinions are. Is it the rear main seal or something else? Should I get a second opinion like take it to a Lexus dealer? Or do I just keep an eye on it for now? This is my first Lexus vehicle. I love the truck! I'm hoping its not serious.

Attached is a photo from the shop today.

 

[jonshonda]

That's not an oil leak, that is from the u-joints slinging grease onto everything around it. That's actually a good thing as it shows whomever was doing the service greased the u-joints.

 

[r2m]

First, congrats on your new GX!
Unless you're seeing drips/oil spots in your garage/driveway and/or losing oil, you have absolutely NOTHING to worry about.
If it really bothers you, take a rag and degreaser and thoroughly clean all around the area and check back in a month or so. I truly believe you'll be fine.
In the mean time enjoy the ride and find some adventures to go on with it!

 

[okidoki]

Thanks for your replies. I did go under the truck this morning to have a look with a flashlight and took some pictures. Here's what I found.

There is a buildup of oil on the frame. But it looks to be old buildup. Not fresh. I circled it on one of the photos. Now, there is fresh oil that is on one of the bolts. But I dont see any around the main seal itself.

I cleaned up the area including the one on the frame and I'll keep an eye on it. What do you guys think?

 

[bigredmachine]

still looks like grease from the u-joint on the crossmember. in the pic the bold dosnt look like it has oil on it it kinda looks like grease as well, does it feel like oil or grease

 

[okidoki]

still looks like grease from the u-joint on the crossmember. in the pic the bold dosnt look like it has oil on it it kinda looks like grease as well, does it feel like oil or grease

I touched it with my index finger and its definitely oil. Its light brown color consistent with oil.

 

[r2m]

As mentioned, wipe it all clean and give it a month, especially since you're dip stick is not showing any loss of oil.

 

[okidoki]

As mentioned, wipe it all clean and give it a month, especially since you're dip stick is not showing any loss of oil.

I cleaned it up and will monitor. Thanks again.

 

[jonshonda]

I touched it with my index finger and its definitely oil. Its light brown color consistent with oil.

You know what else is light brown and consistent with oil...the grease in your u-joints! You know what is oil based, brown, an d changes consistency when it gets flung onto something hot, the grease in your u-joints. I'm just giving you a hard time, but I'm pretty darn confident it's grease from your u-joint.

 

[McDuff123]

You know what else is light brown and consistent with oil...the grease in your u-joints! You know what is oil based, brown, an d changes consistency when it gets flung onto something hot, the grease in your u-joints. I'm just giving you a hard time, but I'm pretty darn confident it's grease from your u-joint.

Agreed.
That‘s most likely just grease that’s been flung off the u-joint

 

[okidoki]

You know what else is light brown and consistent with oil...the grease in your u-joints! You know what is oil based, brown, an d changes consistency when it gets flung onto something hot, the grease in your u-joints. I'm just giving you a hard time, but I'm pretty darn confident it's grease from your u-joint.

ok I probably deserve that dig! Seriously though I appreciate your input. I feel better that it could be just grease. I will keep an eye on it and report back in a few weeks. Thanks again