before i explain please take this into consideration. ive owned this jeep for less then a week and i dont even have my license yet. i have little knowledge in jeeps.

problem:
the rear axle appears to be leaking some substance that smells like motor oil? it also looks like there is a slight dent in the axle case.
Pictures:





see the slight dent^


what could the cause of this be and how could i repair it? cost?

thanks,
joey

 

That is what is called your differential, where all your gearing is housed (filled with gear oil which smells a lot worse than motor oil haha). Looks as though the differential was overfilled, hence why it is only leaking out of the drain plug. You'd have a problem and work to do if it were leaking out of the sides of the differential cover like mine was when I got my jeep. Just pull off the drain plug and let it drip out until it stops, since your differentials should only be filled to the bottom of the plug. Good luck!

 

^ That is right, do that... and to respond you saying thats a dent, its not there indented like that

 

You can see in picture the gears are where it seems to be a sphere and the "dent" is where theres no gears... No worries tho were all here to learn

 

I think the plug can't seal because of the dent. With the cover on a nice solid block you might be able to straighten it enough for a new plug to seal. I saw one guy had a large nut welded to his for a screw-in plug. Or just hit the wreckers. Doesn't look expensive. After you clean out in there with some brake cleaner or solvent refill to the bottom of the hole with 80-90 W gear oil. Lots of guys skip the gasket and just use RTV. I've always found a gasket though. You don't want to run that low or dry, gets expensive!

HEY! Really? I'm gonna go look!

Well, I'll be dipped, mines different, not made dented like that, I'll take your word for it though...

 

Your saying where your plug is it does not "dent" inwards? you have a perfect ball shaped differential? Show a picture please, I havent seen one like that...Maybe were talking about different things?

 

I think he's talking about what appears to be a dent about an inch below the drain plug. Look at the third picture. I didn't notice that till now. Is the plug not secure all around? You could always try and pound it back into the right shape. Or try a junkyard to get a replacement differential cover (cause buying a new one could get pricey)

 

Hey there gator..."you have a perfect ball shaped differential?" No, mines molded to fit the ring gear, with a metal plug. We where typing at the same time, I didn't see your post until I posted. I'll take your word for it being a press mark of some sort. Sure as **** LOOKS dented though. I've seen some cool custom guards guys have made that bolt on there btw.

Anyway, good to change ALL the fluids on a "new" XJ, & pulling that cover and cleaning & checking & a new plug makes sense.

 

SPEND A couple of bucks get a cover with a screw in plug much better than the rubber seeper plug