Gear Oil Smell

[Hokie LX]

Hi all,

Been experiencing a gear oil smell after driving lately. Changed the fluid in the diffs, TC and trans maybe 5-6k miles ago and have had a smell on and off since. No visible leaks or anything of that nature. At first I thought it was some of the overflow residue burning off but it’s been quite a while now and the smell is still there. I don’t smell any while driving, only when I stop and get out.

Any suggestions of what may be causing this?

 

[badlander]

Have you checked the front axle seals yet? A minor leak can weep out onto the axles and fling oil on the exhaust without showing any noticable dripping in the driveway. Same with the propeller shaft seal, I would imagine.

 

[badlander]

Also, Do you have extended breather tubes? Depending on their location they may emit a detectable odor while the diff oil is heating up, although I have never noticed it with mine.....maybe because they are on the passenger side.

 

[dwh13]

Have you greased the driveshafts lately? If I don't get the excess off of mine, it makes a smell like gear oil once it's flung all over the undercarriage and burnt up.

 

[customcruiser]

I love the smell of gear oil

 

[badlander]

Me too, especially in the morning, LOL!

 

[Hokie LX]

Have you checked the front axle seals yet? A minor leak can weep out onto the axles and fling oil on the exhaust without showing any noticable dripping in the driveway. Same with the propeller shaft seal, I would imagine.

I have not checked them in the past few months but have before with no findings. I will check them again though. Thanks for the suggestion.

Also, Do you have extended breather tubes? Depending on their location they may emit a detectable odor while the diff oil is heating up, although I have never noticed it with mine.....maybe because they are on the passenger side.

No extended breather tubes.

Have you greased the driveshafts lately? If I don't get the excess off of mine, it makes a smell like gear oil once it's flung all over the undercarriage and burnt up.

I have but have never experienced this smell before when greasing them prior. Will look for excess.

Thanks all for the feedback.

 

[Hokie LX]

Posting the result for others who may search for this. My rear breather end was frozen which I believe caused the rear diff oil to force out the rear axle seal and onto the brake rotor which is causing the smell when I come to a stop. Going to take the wheel and brake off this weekend to see if the seal needs to be replaced.