This morning I moved my 2009 JK to find that I made tire-track oil spots down the driveway. The fluid that was in the driveway looked like oil but was much thicker. I looked under the JK on the front passenger side to see fluid down the inside of the tire and a drop or two on the outside of the axle. Looking on the inside of the axle flange, I see fluid there and it looks like some that had come down the u-joint. I do not see this on the other side.

Is it possible to leak diff fluid down the axle like that? Any suggestions? It is under warranty so I will be taking it in. I would appreciate suggestions as to whether it needs to be in first thing on Monday, can be scheduled, or worse case, is unsafe to drive and must be towed.

And, no I did not take it off-road yesterday. I was going to this morning until I saw the fluid on the driveway.

And now the pics...
Front passenger side:







Front Drivers Side:

 

The front differentials are usually overfilled at the factory. Park your Jeep on level ground, get a pan and remove the fill plug from your diff cover. Allow the excess fluid to drain out and your Jeep will be "cured".

 

I have 7800 miles on it and have not seen this problem until today. Does that make a difference?

 

your seals gone...sorry to say, visit your dealer and get it fixed pronto
and in case you weren't aware. the seals are located inside the axle, they're inner seals keeping the fluid just within the pumpkin, by judging from your leak, it looks pretty excessive, you need your axle seal replaced and be sure they do both sides

 

It does make a difference.

That looks a leaky seal. Those leaks can develop over time and get progressively worse.

Keep an eye on it and check the puddle size after it's been parked and make sure you keep the diff oil level up until you repair it.

 

The seal on my passenger side axle let go at almost the same millage. It went again at around 10K. I had the shaft and seal replaced under warranty and it has been fine so far.

 

I will have the Jeep at the dealer when they open at 0700. Sounds like a fine way to start a Monday.

 

Thank you all for your help. I will post what the dealer has to say.

 

Hope it only takes one visit to get it fixed. The axle seals on these JKs are shite!

 

Both front axle seals were replaced under warranty and I got the JK back tonight. My WJ is great and it was nice driving it for a couple days but there is nothing like the JK.