Ok.....here's a good one for you guys to solve.....

Did my front and rear diff back in early January. No issues, smooth process.

A few weeks after, I started to notice a small spot of gear oil on the garage floor. The spot is in a strange location though. Its in front of the rear driver side wheel, about 8 inches or so in from the side of the Jeep.

When I first noticed the spots, I got underneath and checked things out.....didn't see any oil spots on the bottom of the Jeep anywhere.

The closest I came to finding the source of the oil was at a spot near the back of the rear driver wheel on the axle, which I believe is the "over flow hole"? But that spot and where the spots are on the ground are not close, so I'm still boggled by where its coming from.

Any thoughts guys??

 

Brake fluid?

 

That would be my first guess. Where the rear rubber brake hose connects to the metal line from the master cylinder. It may only be leaking when under pressure, when you apply the brakes coming to a stop in the garage and only drip once each time. Certainly something to check and repair if needed. Don't need a brake hose blowing out on the interstate and leaving you with no brakes.

 

Brake fluid? But its a thicker texture, not as "fluid" as break fluid.

 

Brake fluid is pretty thick when cold.

It'd be real easy to check, too. Just look under the truck after pumping the brakes a few times. You'll know, esp once the pressure builds.

 

Only thing I can suggest is to keep a clean piece of cardboard in the garage. Everytime you park the Jeep put it under where you think it is coming from. When you see a spot on it you can then inspect the area directly above the spot at that time. That way you don't have to guess at the general area of the leak. You may find a leak in something elswhere that has found a path to travel until it reaches that point where it drips.

 

Just came back from the parking garage at work....wanted to check the brake fluid level......same as always, so I'm certain its not brake related. Plus, it smells like gear oil. I think I recall brake fluid having a different smell.

 

This is the stock location for where the rear diff vent hose connects to the frame. This is likely where the oil is coming from, and is normal for some to come out for a few weeks after the oil change as the moisture escapes.

 

See if this is the source...

Once, I overfilled my rear diff. When it got hot enough, gear oil made its way up the vent tube and into the frame. Some gear oil seeped out and around the bumpstop bolts and dripped off the bumpstop, but most traveled down the frame in front of the driver's side rear tire where it dripped out.

 

isn't that what I just said?

 

So... take a look at the stock location for where the rear diff vent hose connects to the frame. This is likely where the oil is coming from

 

It's where the diff vent tube goes into the frame.

Note it occurred after you serviced the diffs.

Fluid level up to the bottom of the fill hole.

When you ride that fluid gets warm, and expands. If too much it goes out the vent.

I'd venture to say that if your checked the diff level when COLD it would be slightly below where it was when you filled.

You could top it off and then the expanding and venting cycle will start all over again.

 

:facepalm:

 

This sounds like what I may be experiencing. Gonna check it out again tonight.

One question.....when refilling the rear diff, if we had the rear on jack stands casuing a slight angle during filling, it is possible that I over filled slightly and now that its level, its coming out through the vent tube a little?

 

Guess no one is listening to YOU today!