What is leaking?

Went out to get in the truck today, noticed a slick spot where I parked. Jacked up the truck and saw fluid all over passenger side CV, part of steering rack, mud flap and other stuff in area.

Started investigating from the top down, looks like it's coming from CV axle as only one half of the boot is slick (causing oil to sling on everything else as it spins).

My diagnosis is diff seal between cv axle and front diff (might have terms wrong)

Power steering fluid isn't low.

A couple questions:

1) Can I still drive it?
2) Am I correct in my diagnosis?
3) should I replace both CV axles?


Pics:



Anything else I should know? Already know I'd be ordering from CVJ if that's what I need to replace.


Thanks TW!

 

Does it smell horrible like gear oil, or just regular motor oil?

 

Didn't smell it, I'll do that and report back.

 

You should be able to drive it fine..... I drove on a leaky boot for 4 years apparently without realizing it.

I don't know if it's just the angle but it looks like there is a chunk missing from there the top of the boot is connected. If that's the case, than that's what's concerning,

 

I wouldn't drive it if it were mine until I figured out what kind of fluid/where it is coming from. Did you check the diff fluid level? The power steering fluid level? Do some investigating before you cook something.

 

Update:

Went and did some more investigating. Color of fluid is red...no smell. Looked for highest wet area:



Color:


Looks like a leaky transmission hose, the one to the cooler.

Is this just a regular hose? Shouldn't be hard to replace and then just do a drain and fill of transmission to get the right volume?

The good news is that my fluid looks good!

 

Minimal driving until you find out what and where....

 

Good deal as that's an easy fix. Find the appropriate hose (trans oil, power steering), replace it and top off the trans. Or, if it is close to the service interval for the trans, service it.

 

Yes, should be relatively easy, and much cheaper than a leaky motor or diff.

 

Called the dealership while I was under the truck to see if they had the hose in stock. Of course they don't. After investigating more the end of the metal line coming off transmission is very corroded...possibly causing the leak. Is that a line I can replace myself? @gearcruncher any help?

 

Better picture:

 

Looks like an easy fix, but damn, look at all that rust around the nuts and bolts, and clamps.

 

Welcome to central NY

 

Anyone know if I can just get a hose at autozone?

 

Clean that whole area to see what you have. If you see corrosion/pitting in the metal line, replace it. I'm not talking a little surface damage, but if you have damage that has taken away some of the metal pipe, renew it.
Yes, Autozone should have hose. Just make sure the person behind the counter knows EXACTLY what you are doing with the hose.

 

At dealership now getting quote on replacing those lines and full flush.

Then to parts store for line to fix today and a drain and fill. Planning on running line up farther on metal and two hose clamps.

 

prob find the hose on ebay cheaper.

 

Need it today

 

Napa sometimes makes hoses, I dont know if they make trans lines though..

 

Get transmission hose. Usually have it at auto parts stores in 10ft lengths.