Leak near the rear differential, Need Advice

I have noticed a leak from my rear differential, before I take it into the shop I wanted some advice on what might be causing this and if this would be something that could be fixed by myself in driveway. I'm handy and have all the tools needed, I have done repairs like replacing the alternator, brake pads, etc. I just lack instruction and specific knowhow. So does this look like anything anyone has seen before? I would appreciate any comments or feedback.

Thanks,
nf3

 

Carefully look at your diff and find the highest spot that you see oil, I see oil up around your fill plug, check that is tight, its the 24mm on the rear of the diff. Clean off the whole diff and come back after driving for a day or so and recheck for leakage location.

Basic steps for locating oil leaks - Carefully look at the leaking component(engine/trans/diff) searching for the highest place with oil, remember that oil does not drip upward. Clean off all oil with brake cleaner and watch for leak to return, this is easier on a engine as you can clean it and let it idle for 30 minutes while watching for new leakage.
One thing I have heard people do but have not done myself is to figure out roughly where its leaking from, clean off all oil and apply baby powered to the area leaking and come back to see a trail of oil on the while baby powerder.

 

Step 1 is finding the source of the leak. If not 100% apparent, clean dif completely, drive, and re inspect. Report back once source of leak is found.

 

Thanks
joeyv141
Texoma

UPDATE: The 24mm on the rear diff was loose! It was not even finger tight. I have cleaned up the diff and tightened the nut. The next question is, because of the leak I'm assuming that the fluid level is low, how to I check the oil level in the diff? And what do I re-fill it with?

EDIT: I just googled it and found this video, I'll try that
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNWzQ2MbcX0

Here is a zoomed in photo, clearly shows the leak coming from that loose 24mm plug.

 

Might as well do a fluid change. Get a tube of friction modifier, doesn't matter if yours isn't limited slip, but it does matter if it is. Then 3-4 quarts of your favorite diff fluid, I recommend Lucas 85w140 as it gives the best cushion. Also get the drain n fill crush washers to replace the old ones on the drain and fill plugs. Draining and filling that diff is very simple. Drain all the fluid out the bottom, works best after a drive when the diff is warm. Plug the drain and tighten to 30ft#'s. Next fill the diff with oil putting the friction modifier in first, until oil begins to drain constantly out of the fill hole. Once filled, plug the fill and tighten to 30ft#'s. Done. Both the rear diff and transfer case use 24mm socket. The front diff uses a 10mm hex. Always check that the fill plug can be removed before draining fluid. It is highly recommended that you replace the crush washers to create the best seal.