Fluid Leak Question
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Asheville, NC
Fluid Leak Question
'01 A4, 3.15 rear, 8800k miles. Took the car out for a ride and a short time later I found a about a tablespoon's worth of clear lubricant on my garage floor on the driver's side of the diff case. I guess it would help to know what I'm looking at. Is diff lube clear in color?
I've read through all the posts on the subject and am hoping it was just a little "venting", it was a very hot day and I was horsing around.
I've read through all the posts on the subject and am hoping it was just a little "venting", it was a very hot day and I was horsing around.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Longview Texas
Could be venting... Clean it off, and see if it comes back..
Check the level in the differential to make sure it is not overfilled.
If it continues, you may have a side cover leaking.
Differential fluid is clear, like heavy motor oil. The only other relatively clear fluid in the rear would be brake fluid.
Check the level in the differential to make sure it is not overfilled.
If it continues, you may have a side cover leaking.
Differential fluid is clear, like heavy motor oil. The only other relatively clear fluid in the rear would be brake fluid.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Aug 13, 2007 at 12:23 PM.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Asheville, NC
Thanks for confirming the color. I'll double-check the brake reservoir, lines, and fittings. The diff housing, leaf spring, and sway bar are all greasier than they were yesterday morning. I'll have to hit them with some cleaner eventually. Meanwhile, I've become fixated on the spot on my garage floor. I'll check the level when I get home.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Sounds like the very common left side axle housing leak...........( left rear axle seal leak )
Last edited by mrm1149; Aug 13, 2007 at 02:44 PM. Reason: add info
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From: Asheville, NC
Nope, no A/C. I had the top down and A/C would be wasted. There was a very small circle of clear fluid under the diff and it smelled like mineral oil. Everything was bone-dry before this (I've had the car about 2 months). I'm hoping the it was just a wet burp. I miss my old Cutlass Supreme, I could slide under that car without jacking it up.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 141
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From: New York
Diff fluid is clear in color, it can appear blackish but thats because it picks up a lot of dirt on its way down. It is really hard to confuse trans and diff fluids/oil. AC compressor oil is also clear and has 0 odor
