Very slow oil/fluid leak on 4.0 --- any thoughts?

[canuckjgc]

Hi all,

I have an '02 Eddie Bauer 4.0 V6 with 80k. I have a veeery slow oil/fluid leak (it's hard to tell where it is parked if it is oil or axle or whatever).

It drips once every 2 or 3 days, but over time still makes a mess on the nice driveway.

I had the lower oil pan gasket replaced and no change. I'm hoping it is not the upper oil pan gasket ($$$).

I put carboard underneath but doesn't seem to help much as the leak is so infreqent.

Any thoughts?

 

[Ronin8002]

Is the oil/fluid collecting at the bottom rear of the front differential? If so, it may be the pinion seal. I had this too and the dealer fixed it under warranty.

 

[canuckjgc]

It's really hard to tell. It actually looks to be collecting much closer to the front of the vehicle.

 

[DLinkOZ]

Are you sure it's oil? Any fluid levels low? My Mustang had a very slow drip out front, turned out to be the steering rack. Is it collected near any tell-tale components, dripping onto something so you can look above it? Best thing you can do is follow the drip straight up to start getting a bearing.