Leaking valve on axle

[iStang]

There is a valve sitting on the live axle on the passenger side. Is it normal that after 22000mi there is still oil coming out? Is that an overfill valve for the differential fluid? (see picture)

 

[trinity_gt]

It's the vent for the axle. A wee little bit of dampness is fine. Dripping would be bad.

 

[iStang]

Thanks so far. I'm glad there is nothing to worry.

Sure, it's not dripping oil, the axle is just wet. I guess axles don't contain oil. Is in that case the stuff coming out of the differential housing?

 

[trinity_gt]

The axle tubes connect to the center section which contains the bulk of the oil. Oil does travel to the outer ends of the tubes to lube the axle bearings. With the axle spinning in the tube as it does, it doesn't surprise me that tiny bits of it make it out the vent to produce a dampness on the outside.

 

[GT98]

i actually noticed this last week or so. it seems like whenever i park my car for a certain amount of time, ill find a few drops of oil on the ground right under the differential/live axel area. it just started doing this and i dont know what it could be.

 

[Cobra Jay]

A small amount of oil coming out of the vent is normal. That means it's working. The axle case builds up pressure and the vent in the axle tube is where it is exhausted from. If you start getting a puddle of lube leaking then you've got problems.