The last couple times I have changed my oil I have noticed what looks like clean oil covering my tranny and used (black) oil on tranny linkage and a few other parts in proximity to the tranny. I had the tranny rebuilt about 10k ago and it has worked just fine. The fluid on it looks to me like oil....not tranny fluid. any ideas as to where this is coming from? My car has ran perfectly since I bought it...no problems at all....knock on wood.





oh and I also saw this when I had it jacked up last weekend...D'oh!

 

Uh oh, time for more duct tape.

 

If I were you, I'd drain the tranny, replace the seals, and fill it up with Amsoil (Series 2000 75w90). I'm betting its just the axle seals, but the really nice thing about the amsoil is its green, so you instantly know where its coming from. You could also just wipe it with a towel and smell the towel, and if it smells like crap its gear oil.

edit: after looking at the pictures closer, well heres what I think,

 

Cool thanks for the imput MrGone. That tear in the CV boot is same side as "the leak". Do you think If I just replaced the axle I'd kill 2 birds w/ one stone?

Oh BTW that CV boot is original...way to go Nissan! 144k....

 

Yeah, replace the axle and be sure to replace the seal when you do it...

might want to just replace both axles and seals on it and be done with it.

striking rod seal is the one around the shifter linkage- it's another $5, but makes a difference in keeping under the car clean.

Just an FYI... any time you pull an axle out, it's recommended to change the seal just in case.

 

I dont think you need to replace the axle, heck there isnt even any grease coming out of the boot. I'd just buy replacement boots and seal. replace the seal and boots and be done with it. Dont forget to drain the tranny either, lol. And have gear oil there ahead of time.

(edit: I'm poor and can't afford new axles, so thats why I said replace the boots, that was assuming the axles are fine. then again it might just be easier to replace the axles and have the warrenty).

 

Well, the axles are 144k old.. wouldn't hurt to replace, but if they're still in good shape there's no NEED to do anything but rebuild the boots.

 

Boots = $25

Rebuilt axles with new boots = $65

Gotta take the axles out to replace the seals anyways........

 

I actually just had the other boot replaced....I tok advice of you all on here and took it in to get the whole axle replaced. It seems that local shops can't find the right axle (i told them no abs and 5-spd about 6 times and they still got the wrong ones..) so I got tired of not having a car and had em replace the boot only...the joint was still in good condition.

As for the tranny drain...never done it. Is it kinda like changing oil?

 

yeah.. there's just a drain plug on the side of the tranny (about where all the oil is leaking).. it's on the right side, about 4" in front of the shifter linkage..
just pull that plug and it'll drain out for days....
if the fluid is in good shape, pour it into a clean container and put it back in after you swap the axles...

the fill plug is the large square one on the front of the tranny, just under the front mount.

 

Cool, do I remember hearing about how REDLINE is a really good tranny fluid? or was that for something else?

 

But ALWAYS, ALWAYS remove the fill plug first. Nothing worse then draining out all the lube from your tranny only to find out you can't get the fill plug out. It's a more common problem then you might think

 

I use amsoil, I'm a happy camper

And I'm glad Matt said that thing about reusing gear oil, because thats is what I'm going to do if I ever have to drain mine again

 

I just skooled myself on AMSOIL & REDLINE. Seems that Amsoil is better for wear protection eh? Well with 144k...thats what I need How much would a batch of this stuff set me back?

 

Redline or Amsoil are both fine.. I've been using redline MTL for a while now and love it. it runs about $10/qt I think. you'll need 4, but just buy 5 to make sure you have extra (for 6 months down the road when it leaks out a bit)

 

I spent 7.99/qt on my Redline MT-90. Although I don't think that has a limited slip additive (which is probably a good idea to get, Amsoil has it and I think MTL does too...not sure). It was like 43 bucks for everything.

New gear oil = smooth shifting when the car is cold, btw. I'd say change the gear oil anyway just to get that.

 

i was just wondering but how did you get the part that bolts to the shifter linkage off the striker rod. i got BOTH pins out of mine and tryed to get it off with multiple tools to replace the boot and seal which is leaking but couldnt