SceneAmati

So, I just noticed the other day that my car has been leaking oil. Only a couple drops here and there, so I took a go pro and slid it underneath to see if I can find anything...

Here's what I found... (video below)

Anyone have any idea where it could be coming from?

Car has about 37k miles and I get the oil changed every 10k. Not sure why this is happening all of a sudden, but anyone else experience this?

Sasnuke

It looks like the pinion seal for the front differential.
It will likely only leak once the vehicle is in motion...not stationary.
I recommend cleaning off the oil and taking it for a short drive around the block, then check again.
The leak should just be starting to show and you can see exactly where it's coming from.
I don't think it's engine oil...new engine oil and relatively clean diff oil look very similar...but they smell very different. The diff oil has a much stronger odor.

SceneAmati

Thanks. I'm not sure if it's leaking anywhere else, but i think you're right about it leaking only when I'm moving. I didn't have a leak this morning before I left for work. And that's also because the car would sit for 8+ hours. I noticed it today because I got home from work then left like 30 minutes after.

Is a pinion seal a pain to replace, and/or expensive?

Sasnuke

The seal is a pain to replace. It's not terribly expensive...it will cost more in labor than parts.
I think (not sure), that there is a collapsible spacer behind the pinion flange that may need to be replaced at the same time since it can only be torqued down and crushed once.

SceneAmati

Ah. Darn.

I guess ill take it up to the dealer although I think my warranty is up. But, if that's the case, might take it to a shop or someone who can help me out.

Also will probably put it on a lift or something to see if its coming out from anywhere else

Sasnuke

Here's a pic to give you a better idea.ILLUSTRATION


*1
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER OIL SEAL
*2
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE PINION BEARING SPACER
*3
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE PINION OIL SLINGER
*4
FRONT DRIVE PINION COMPANION FLANGE FRONT NUT
*5
FRONT DRIVE PINION COMPANION FLANGE FRONT SUB-ASSEMBLY WITH DEFLECTOR
*6
FRONT DRIVE PINION REAR TAPERED ROLLER BEARING
*T1
Preload Adjusting Torque: 263.1 N*m (2683 kgf*cm, 194 ft.*lbf) or less
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-
N*m (kgf*cm, ft.*lbf): Specified torque
●
Non-reusable part
Hypoid gear oil LSD
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SceneAmati

Thanks!

i think I'll get a quote on how much it'll be. Also I hope I still have a warranty lol.

Sasnuke

Definitely find out if it's still covered under the Powertrain warranty.
That's assuming it is that seal...

SceneAmati

Right.

Well, I just called the dealer I bought the car from, and it's 4y / 50K mile warranty. So in that case, I think I'm good. Im going to set an appointment to get it looked at this weekend.

SceneAmati

Thanks! I will keep this thread updated as soon as I find something out. Pretty odd for sure. I don't notice anything different when driving. I haven't hit any potholes or whatever either. I pretty much baby this thing especially with having some aftermarket wheels. Also, I haven't been driving it much. Mainly just to work and back home. Since it's been fairly nice out lately, I've just been taking my motorcycle out.

Maybe it's a sign that Lexi wants more attention haha.

Anyway, I plan on getting it looked at sometime this weekend.

SceneAmati

No I didn't. I just happened to notice the leak on my garage floor the other day.

I think having it on a lift it'll be easier to see.

E46CT

It happens. maybe some foreign debris got caught in the seal and tore it up. Have them drain the fluid, new seal, and refill. should be fine. Should be an easy repair.

SceneAmati

So, I dropped my car off at the dealership this morning, and I just got a call about my car...

It turns out that it is a front differential seal leak. Fortunately, it is covered under warranty and will get it fixed as soon as possible. I guess it's a long job so I probably won't get it back until tomorrow.

I was kind of worried they would tell my my warranty is void because my car is lowered. But, all is well! It's exactly what you guys thought it was! Glad I can get some quick insight from this forum.

Thanks!

Sasnuke

Glad to see it worked out. It was definitely an odd leak.
Likely it's taking til tomorrow cause they don't stock the part and have to order it in.

SceneAmati

Ah that's true! I wonder what can cause a leak of that sort. Objects from the road? Although I don't think I've hit anything. My car is lowered on RSR Down Springs, and I dodge potholes like a champ as far as I know lol.