Fluid Leak Diagnosis

[karpinator]

I have a 2016 Limited Ford Explorer, had it to a dealer recently and they said they fixed what was a leaking axle seal. I took it to the dealer because of puddles on the ground where it was parked and a really foul smell while driving which was worse when stopped. The fluid was leaking onto the top of my exhaust pipe and burning/smoking when the car was running due to the hot exhaust. Got the vehicle back and still noticed the smell and figured it needed to burn off some after I wiped it with a rag. Now I had the car in my garage for a brake job and notice a puddle that came about sometime while in the garage. Where the driver side axle enters into the transmission or drivetrain (Looks like a white plastic piece over a seal) not sure which as I'm not super mechanically inclined it appears roughly where the leak is. Its a yellow colored oily like fluid with a strong smell. If i can figure out how to post pictures I will. Scared to drive it now and probably the same leak the dealer failed to fix but charged a premium for is my guess.

Any thoughts on how to get me in the right path, does this appear to be an axle leak or some other issue? thanks.

 

[karpinator]

 

[Turdle]

To me, I might be wrong,but, man, it looks like they rounded off the exhaust manifold bolt trying to get in. The one closest to the leaking axle seal.

 

[karpinator]

To me, I might be wrong,but, man, it looks like they rounded off the exhaust manifold bolt trying to get in. The one closest to the leaking axle seal.

That bolt is rusted to basically nothing left, doesnt appear that the bolt was ever removed.

I checked the transmission fluid level and its where it should be. This leak must be fluid out of the differential then?

 

[Odrapnew]

Seal for PTU is likely the issue. PTU fluid is very stinky (that's the technical term).

Also, if that puddle is from sitting for a few hours (or overnight), that is a lot.
I know puddles expand and can make small leaks look big, but that is more than just a small drip.
PTU doesn't hold much fluid, so it won't take long for it to be empty.

 

[karpinator]

For all the more fluid it holds in the PTU, the amount on the ground is scary. It turns into like a dark grease on my exhaust and drips onto the ground I noticed as well. The drops on the bottom of the case are golden yellow/light brown which seems to be a positive sign. The dealer said its a leaking axle seal, would this seal be considered an axle seal or technical term something else. I spoke to the dealer today and they said there wont be a charge if its the same seal. Worried they fixed what wasnt leaking last time and will charge again for what is.