I noticed this yesterday changing the wheels out on my '09 Sport 4-door. Looks like fluid around the top of the rear differential and around one bolt. There is also a strip of the gasket (?) hanging down. It almost looks like caulk. There is not dripping onto the pavement, etc., just on the surface. It was in the week before last for the tranny light recall but that doesn't mean anyone looked at the rear diff. Any thoughts? Jim.

 

The gasket peeling away I think is normal. I know mine gasket was pealing at a few spots on my 08. When I saw it I did the Diff fluid change to make sure it was sealed and looking good. Might be time to DIY diff oil change and re-seal your diff cover with RTV.

 

I would say no to the fluid ... yes to the gasket material scraping off and hanging.

I had the gears done on my 2009 JK at 17K miles ... and the rear diff cover was bone dry ... my front diff had a very small damp area around one bolt.

 

my rear diff is doing this as well but on the bottom towards the driver side... maybe time to change the fluid too

 

Just changing the diff fluids won't stop the seepage. Drain the diff, pull the cover, clean and rtv the covers back on.

 

If you don't want to take it apart, or change the fluid,...
Check the fluid level, top it up as necessary.
Clean the residue off with some brake cleaner.
See if and how fast it reappears.

 

Looks like your RTV is simply wearing out--perfectly routine.

RTV is a chore to replace because you spend so much time scraping off the old stuff, but there's nothing technically difficult about the job. This is a great time to change your diff fluid and treat your cover to a fresh batch of RTV. It's not expensive and your Jeep will thank you.

 

Another option is to treat yourself to lubelocker gasket. You won't regret it.

 

Looks like 'Operational Seepage' to me!

 

Mines doing that also. Cant decide if I want to change the oil myself since Im at 15K or if I should waste my time taking it in for warranty????