Hello fellow XJ'ers and readers,

So, I purchased a 98 XJ sport 5 spd, 2dr, 198,xxxkm about 2 months ago and I am really enjoying it, no problems up until now. Just a few days ago, I noticed some oil spots developing in the driveway, so on closer inspection, I found the source... sort of.

**See attached picture**

Now, before you read on, please forgive me as I am not very knowledgeable in mechanics, and may not be able to describe the parts very well.

So, what your looking at is the front axel, just in behind the right wheel's steering knuckle. As you can see, I have circled a little depression on that part where the mystery oil seems to collect and run down. Also, you will see a question mark with an arrow indicating where it may be coming from (in my own opinion).

I don't think it's break fluid (I didn't notice any break lines around, and it's not engine oil), what I am wondering is if it's differential fluid, and if there is a seal or something behind what I have indicated with the arrow?

Any ideas or advice would be great!
Thanks in advance.

 

My guess would be your inner axle seal. Thats the passenger side right? There shouldn't really be anything else in that area that would be leaking. If it was over the drivers side I'd say it could be the power steering. I vote axle seal though.

 

Yes, it is on the passenger side.

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate the help.

 

http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d30axleseal.html

here's a writeup on the axle seal replacement. It says its for a yj but its a dana 30. This was the first one I found there might be one out there with pics but this will give you an idea of what you'll be gettin into if your gonna do it yourself.

 

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoD30AxlesSeals.htm

Here's one with pics.

 

Thanks again, much appreciated!

 

No prob