What type of leak is this?

This photo was taken from passenger side looking under vehicle. It’s not really leaking just some oil moisture. Not red though so I don’t think it’s transmission fluid. Just purchased this vehicle not sure if this is cause for concern. Thanks

 

Could be a bad front or rear output shaft seal on the transfer case, or the actuator. Both can get pricey, so if you got a warranty with the purchase, I’d use it.

 

Thanks. I didn’t get a warranty. Just got the vehicle today they drove 800 miles from PA to AL so I’m just getting to inspect it. However, can’t easily send it back since it’s so far away. Since it’s just a small bit of moisture how long could it run as is without causing issues? It’s 10 yr old car with 130k so I don’t expect it to be perfect. But seeing this leak and the rust underneath has me concerned. Thanks

 

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A weep will take a long time to lower a level, but that’s assuming it’s only a weep, and you’re level is fine to begin with. Also you should study up in the manual how to properly engage the 4wd, and verify it works properly.

 

This vehicle is going to my teenage son. Some minor weeps, and other annoyances are acceptable. I just wasn’t sure if this was a sign of a larger problem or not.

testing four-wheel-drive is my next project. Assuming it engages correctly what else should I be looking for when testing the four-wheel-drive?

 

Found another leak under the front. What is this one?

 

It’s preferable to do it on a gravel or dirt road since these 4wd systems have no center differential, so it will cause binding in the drivetrain if you turn on a dry road and you turn (unless this is a Limited trim). Check out the manual so you dont cause inadvertent damage. Basically, the 4wd lights on the dash should no longer stay blinking once it fully engages.

4wd high can be engaged at slow speeds while driving straight, but 4lo can only be selected while stopped AND in neutral. You can damage it if you don’t follow the manual.

 

That’s the engine oil filter housing. They are often horribly abused by quick lube places that end up cracking them, or not replacing o-rings, etc. But that happens for any car at any quick lube.

 

Did it come with two skid plates? They should span from the front to just behind the oil pan.

By the way, the crossmember behind the filter housing looks really solid in the area pictured. With the skidplates off, you might be able to get a good look at the
lower control arm mounts on the frame…at least the bottom of them.

 

Thanks put my mind at ease about oil filter housing. I think they just changed oil before they delivered it.

No skid plates. Control arms do have some rust but I can’t tell to what degree. I’m probably just overthinking this seeing as how this is my first “rust vehicle“. Hopefully my local mechanic will be able to provide some professional expertise on Monday.

 

No pooling. I believe it’s just a small leak that could probably goes years without issue but not certain.

 

That one is easy, engine oil filter housing.

 

No skids? Next time look under the car before purchasing.

 

Unfortunately, it was an online purchase, so I wasn’t able to thoroughly inspect before purchasing. Just had to take the dealers word for the condition of the vehicle. I don’t think they were being dishonest with me, but certainly would have liked to been able to view it before the purchase. But it was the exact make model color that we were looking for so we bought it site, unseen

 

If there's no drip it's minor. It took it that many miles to do that. I would not poor anything in that engine but oil. Get brake cleaner and clean it up then monitor it. There was a problem with seal between transfer and transmission on a few. I think they should grandfather that. That shouldn't happen. I poured stuff in once knowing better. Maybe oil change frequency or type of oil caused it, but they bought it and drove it until they thought they had to fix something and you found it. I have seen people drive them and do nothing but change oil when they remember it and keeps a going.