Does anyone know what is leaking here on my inside right wheel? It is kind of thick and has a really funky smell. It has been like this for some time, but now I think this is what I am smelling while I am driving. I have noticed this for about a week now. Thanks for any info

 

Its probably front differential oil, you probably need a new axle seal.

 

Thanks, is this something I need to worry about now? Like I said, it has been like this for some time, and I never see puddles under my car, so it must be leaking pretty slowly

 

It's really a strange spot because I don't see anything dripping down onto there or any other point of origin. It just looks like that is where it is coming from

 

inner axle seal. required removal of carrier to do. i would replace it sooner than later.

 

Probably a slow leak from behind the plastic dust shield on the axle shaft.

Check your front axle oil level.

Rob

 

Thanks for the info Rob and others. I'm new to a lot of this, so I'm not really sure how to go about checking the oil level. What do I need to do to check that? Also, if my level is okay, can I hold off fixing this for a few months? I have a lot going on right now with work, and need to drive this thing everyday. It may be a little while before I can get to fixing this.

 

Get new oil, take off diff cover, clean out old oil, close up cover, replace oil.

But you need to do those seals eventually, that should tie you over though.

 

Easy enough to check diff oil level. Find a level surface, then undo the plug that sits at about 3 o'clock on your front diff cover. Oil should be just below the level of that plug.

Rob

 

This might be a dumb question, but isn't it true that the front differential is not even used unless the vehicle is in 4 wheel drive? I don't have to use 4 wheel drive unless it snows going to or from work. If this is the case, I'll just avoid 4 wheeling until I can get this fixed. Am I right in thinking there is no real danger in driving this with leaking axle seals to/from work on the highway as long as I am in 2 wheel drive? I just don't want to put myself in any danger until I can get some time to get this fixed or do it myself. Thanks for the help.

 

Unless you have a hub conversion your front driveshaft and gears spin even in two wheel drive. The driveshaft isn;t engaged in the t-case but it spins from the axle turning. If you can unlock your hubs the gears and front driveshaft wont spin while in motion.

 

Even though the diff isn't driving the vehicle, it will have rotating parts inside. These will need to be kept lubricated.

Rob