Leak Under Driver Side, Tranny or Power Steering?

onecrazyfoo4u · April 28, 2017

I've got a leak under the driver side of my truck, right behind the tire and CV shaft/boot. I can't see where it's coming from, but appears to be tucked up way up there. It's either transmission or power steering from the smell and color. I don't think it's transmission though, because there aren't any lines or anything that run over in that area, right? Any ideas what might be leaking up there? The fluid levels have held steady for transmission and power steering.

Attached is a pic to hopefully help out.

dcferguson98 · April 28, 2017

If it's oil it could be a rear main seal or oil pan leak

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onecrazyfoo4u · April 28, 2017

If it's oil it could be a rear main seal or oil pan leak

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It's definitely not oil though. I've checked it in a few areas, and it has the strong smell of transmission or power steering fluid. Also has the redish tint color.

diyer2 · April 28, 2017

Red Tranny IMO. Power steering is almost clear right?

A through check of the power steering system will tell, clean rag and wipe everything.

onecrazyfoo4u · April 28, 2017

Red Tranny IMO. Power steering is almost clear right?

A through check of the power steering system will tell, clean rag and wipe everything.

My power steering fluid is red (I think the manual even says that transmission fluid can be used in it's place). Are there any transmission lines or components that run over by the drivers side/wheel well area?

Heavy 5.7 · April 29, 2017

Are you sure it's not slinging it out from the axle carrier output shaft flange? Check the fluid level and condition.

onecrazyfoo4u · May 5, 2017

Is the axle carrier output shaft flange the flange between the front diff and the boot? I haven't used 4wd since winter, 4 months ago or so. It just started leaking 2 weeks ago. I'm thinking it may be front diff fluid. After checking the leaks more, they aren't red, more of a brownish/clear color, and they don't really smell like any of the other fluids. From the engine bay I can't see a single bit of leak anywhere, only from underneath. Here's a couple more pictures.

First, what is that plastic cap with the hose coming out, it's mounted on the front diff. May be coming from that:

Second, Here's a view of the output shaft flange and lower control arm (I believe):

And third, here's a closer view between the output shaft and lower control arm. You'll see that it's wet up high on those tubes or spacers that are on the frame/engine mount. Could a leak in the front diff squirt up that high?

Nanotech Environmental · May 6, 2017

It's likely an axle seal on the front diff. It's leaking down on the flange & then getting flung off when you drive, coating the surrounding area. The front axles turn all the time when driving, whether you're in 4wd or not.

diyer2 · May 6, 2017

^^^^ this

onecrazyfoo4u · May 18, 2017

Do you guys know where I can find procedures on how to change the front axle seal? Do I just unbolt that 4-bolt flange and replace through there?

Nanotech Environmental · May 19, 2017

Youtube should have a few vids on this.

onecrazyfoo4u · May 19, 2017

I looked at some videos on youtube and there appears to be two different methods. The easier is you just take off the 6 bolts on the axle flange, that releases the CV boot/shaft to drop down. Then you have to in some way hammer the axle shaft out (that appears to be the hardest with limited space). Then pull out the seal and replace.

It all appears too simple to me, is that really all that's involved? I've never done this, so someone with first hand experience would be awesome!