Hey all,

Hoping someone can help here.
Just found a small oily spot by my front driver side wheel.
Wondering what this could be?

My father in law pointed out that I left a small stain on his driveway (not good) :(.



Thoughts?

 

Smell it.
Might be gear oil, has a specific odor.

Would mean you have an axle seal issue. Kinda what it looks like

 

Knowing next to nothing about these Jeep's yet, that was among my first thoughts. After you mentioned it, I googled axle seal leak and it appears to be a common issue even on low mile Jeeps.

Here's hoping they'll cover it under my 100k mi drivetrain warranty!

 

They will cover it. It could also just simply be over filled. Did they just change that fluid for you? Either way I'm sure they will handle it.

 

They will indeed cover it under your warranty. If you do take it in, I'd press to have both seals replaced (passenger and driver). Even if you have to pay for the one side's part that isn't leaking....it's only $15 or so. It's all overlapping labor since both axle shafts have to be removed and the carrier has to be pulled regardless of doing 1 side or both. Have seen a few comments of a dealer replacing only one side, and then the other side starts leaking shortly after. That's a hassle even when not paying for it.

 

Great advice!
Thank you!

Brownies, I just bought the car about 1k miles ago and the oil is black as night.
I'm sure its not fresh.

Thanks all!

 

I had a similar situation on mine when it was at about 25k miles. Brought it to the dealer and they replaced both inner tube seals under warranty no questions asked . That being said it seems like a simple enough job to do if your out of warranty and are ok buying a few tools.

 

Axel Seal Leak most likely. If you spin the tire can you see drips around the tire/rim?