Name that leak

[TowingExplorer]

I was doing an oil change on my '06 V8 LTD with 80k miles on it yesterday and, aside from noticing the dealer left my brake master cylinder cap off, noticed a wet spot on the front of my front diff. I wiped it off and finished the job.

Started the engine, let it run for a minute, shut it down again. Go out to check for oil leaks, see some spots on my cardboard. Look and it's coming from the front diff, or so it appeared from that angle.

Wiped it again, started the engine, shut it down. No leak. Started again, bringing up to 3k for about 30 seconds, shut it down. No leak. Started a last time, turned the wheel in case it was PS fluid, shut it down. No leak.

Here's some pictures. What do you think it is? I'm leaning toward the power steering rack, but I don't know how it managed to get across onto the front diff if that's the case!

 

[Flag Gibby]

Its so light and colorless that I am thinking that it is just brake fluid from the cap not being on splashing out and running down the steering column and dripping onto the differential case.

 

[TowingExplorer]

That would be good news if it were the case. One less repair.

I had touched it though and it was dark. So's my brake fluid though, probably could use a flush. Don't think I'll be letting Ford touch it for non-warranty work. When I had this in to a local Mazda/Mercury/Lincoln dealer about 6 years ago when I got my first extended warranty, they tried to upsell everything. This one must have just wanted to be done with me.