So i was inspecting the underside of my 98 xj and found on the driver side of the front axle i have fluid coming out and its staining everything mostly the tire. I know its not the brakes because it just failed inspection for the back brakes leaking and i got it fixed today, so im pretty sure this is axle fluid seeping out, how can i check this? should i open the cap on the diff and see how much is in there? How intensive is this kind of repair?

 

If it is, it "should" smell and feel like gear oil (it's leaking out from the axle tube right?). Search front axle seal for the replacement details, it not that hard just time consuming. If you deciede to do it, replace the seals on both sides.

 

Its time consuming. I had to do mine when I bought it last year its a 99. I had to do both seals and would suggest that you go ahead and do both while you have it apart.

It'll smell like gear oil if it is and believe me that **** stinks.

When I did mine I finally ended up having to get a new shaft because for some odd reason mine wouldn't seal on one side after putting a new seal in 2 times. Finally picked a new one up at a junkyard cheap. Over all tho easy fix just takes time.