mystery leak

[jobunn]

I've got a fluid leak somewhere, but I can't find it yet. I searched for a source under the car with lots of lights but can't find it.

On the front passenger side axle there is a brownish oil layer on, above and around the CV shaft near the inside of the boot and on the front of the torsion bar. It's not grease so I don't think it is from the axle assembly, rather it is an oil. I don't have any engine oil loss or burning smell from the engine when driving. It's not red oil so it's not tranny. Brake fluid level is unchanged.

Any ideas?

 

[Alec]

First things I'd think of:

1) gear oil (front diff)
2) dirty fluid from washer or coolant tank that leaked out when you were at an extreme angle
3) condensation from the A/C that got dirty on it's way down

 

[jobunn]

Your #2 could be a possibility. There's no leak from the diff and it's definitely an oil, not water. I'll clean it all up and see if it comes back.

Thanks.