Mild Off-Road - Now I Smell Oil/Grease

[Magnato1]

UPDATE: Basically, I am trying to determine if I can drive this the 130 miles to the nearest Ford dealer to see if the repair would be covered under warranty, or if that would damage the transmission/engine/axle.

I took the BS Big Bend down a dirt road yesterday that had a few large rocks on it, but I went slowly and didn’t smash down on anything.

Driving home, everything was normal until I was pulling into the driveway. Suddenly I got the strong smell of oil/grease (I’m pretty sure it’s grease/gear oil, not engine oil).

Just got underneath and the flimsy cover over the engine is in perfect condition. I could see spatter on the backside of the driver’s side brake, so I moved over there and I can see some sort of oil on the engine/transmission. I am guessing this came out at the CV boot, but hoping to get some input from folks who know the car better.

See attached pics and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I took the BS Big Bend down a dirt road yesterday that had a few large rocks on it, but I went slowly and didn’t smash down on anything.

Driving home, everything was normal until I was pulling into the driveway. Suddenly I got the strong smell of oil/grease (I’m pretty sure it’s grease/gear oil, not engine oil).

Just got underneath and the flimsy cover over the engine is in perfect condition. I could see spatter on the backside of the driver’s side brake, so I moved over there and I can see some sort of oil on the engine/transmission. I am guessing this came out at the CV boot, but hoping to get some input from folks who know the car better.

See attached pics and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

Good morning. Could you please send over a message with your VIN and estimated mileage? I would like to look into this on my end.

 

[Magnato1]

UPDATE: Basically, I am trying to determine if I can drive this the 130 miles to the nearest Ford dealer to see if the repair would be covered under warranty, or if that would damage the transmission/engine/axle.

I took the BS Big Bend down a dirt road yesterday that had a few large rocks on it, but I went slowly and didn’t smash down on anything.

Driving home, everything was normal until I was pulling into the driveway. Suddenly I got the strong smell of oil/grease (I’m pretty sure it’s grease/gear oil, not engine oil).

Just got underneath and the flimsy cover over the engine is in perfect condition. I could see spatter on the backside of the driver’s side brake, so I moved over there and I can see some sort of oil on the engine/transmission. I am guessing this came out at the CV boot, but hoping to get some input from folks who know the car better.

See attached pics and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

Update. I took the shroud off so I could get a better look. Everything looks really clean except this area on the transmission by the front left wheel. I tried to smell the fluid to determine if it’s transmission fluid or oil, but it doesn’t really have a smell. It feels thinner than oil. I can’t see where it is leaking from. The shroud only has staining near the oil drain plug hole, so I think the leak must be pretty minor. More pics below. Any thoughts?

 

[Mark S.]

Once a fluid is contaminated with dirt or dust it becomes difficult to determine what it is. Further, the longer you wait after a leak begins the farther fluids tend to migrate due to gravity and wind. My suggestion would be to thoroughly clean the area then institute a detailed inspection regime. Get a powerful flashlight and a good inspection mirror on an extendable wand. I would plan to inspect it every time you get home from driving it. The sooner you find leaking fluid the less contaminated and closer to the leak site it will be.

 

[gatornek]

Update. I took the shroud off so I could get a better look. Everything looks really clean except this area on the transmission by the front left wheel. I tried to smell the fluid to determine if it’s transmission fluid or oil, but it doesn’t really have a smell. It feels thinner than oil. I can’t see where it is leaking from. The shroud only has staining near the oil drain plug hole, so I think the leak must be pretty minor. More pics below. Any thoughts?

These are some great pics. You did a great job of investigating. Unfortunately, I still don't see anything clear cut.

If you have no DTC or the CEL isn't on, I would have a tough time saying you coughed up some transmission fluid. Not even sure if thats possible without an evident hose disconnection. But again, you would think your transmission would be in a bit of distress if this were occurring and this would pop a DTC. It would seem that maybe you might be onto something with the axle boot. But that also looks fine without closer inspection.

I'd do what @Mark S. says. Clean it up real nice; and inspect on the regular until your either satisfied that it was a one off, or you find the culprit.

 

[Cursed Bronco]

Flexion of the vehicle could have compromised the seal of the boot for a split second allowing grease to come out. Might have just taken a while to smell it as it heated up on the engine components. I don't believe it would be detrimental to drive the vehicle if you have inspected the part and aren't hearing or feeling anything abnormal. You should be fine to drive to to the dealer, imo. I'm not so certain the boot didn't possibly receive small damage that will continue to leak over time, however.

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