Good evening everybody, some help required in identifying an oil leak underneath engine bay.
I have just noticed a slight oil leak that has appeared underneath the front of my 2004 diesel vogue.
Upon closer inspection I can confirm the lubricant that is leaking out appears to be a clean golden colour, I'm guessing this is front axle lubricant? I have attached a picture to this thread marking an arrow where the lubricant is leaking and would be most grateful if any member could assist in confirming this is a leak from the front diff. I have wiped the area clean and can confirm the oil leaking is golden in colour. If the diff is leaking is this an expensive job to do as my mechanical knowledge is limited so it will be a trip to my local independant.Any advice would be great thank you.

Click image to enlarge

Looks like the diff, difficult to see where it's leaking from though, if it's the seam then I think it's a diff out job to sort it... not cheap if you're paying for labour...

Could try to see if you can nip those bolts up a bit...  Pete

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2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

Thanks Pete. The leak is only a dribble at present, but I have concerns it may get worse.

Yep, they don't usually get better, that's for sure...  Pete

__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

Looks to be running down from the right hand driveshaft output, the interface where it goes through the sump, so most likely a seal issue unless it's engine oil coming from above. Engine oil won't be golden colour though, especially on a diesel, unless it's literally just been changed.

Shamelessly stolen from another post:

Thanks Weejock , deffo not engine oil, the oil leaking is a golden syrup in colour and smells like diff oil. is the changing of the seals an expensive job at the local indy?