Slight front axle leak

Churchfield · 08-13-2012, 07:45 PM

My '02 330xi developed a slight leak on right (passenger side) front axle where it 'exits' the support bracket attached to oil pan. I believe it generates the slight 'hot oil' smell I note while driving. Is the fluid engine oil? Would that account for the loss of crankcase oil (500-700 miles/quart; Mobile 1, 0W-40). I never see oil on garage floor; only found it after taking off plastic shrouds. Axle was replaced about 10k ago w/OEM.

Kubica · 08-13-2012, 07:56 PM

It sounds like a leaky axle seal.

If so that would be diff fluid leaking, not engine oil. Is the axle just a little wet, or do you see a wet stripe on the plastic shield below?

The axle seal should be replaced with each axle- who did the work? Indy? Stealer? You? If stealer, it should be covered under warranty.

Before pinning it on the axle seal though, have a look to see if the valve cover gasket is leaking. That would explain the oil leak, smell, and oil consumption issues. Look at the metal shield next to the motor on the passenger side to see if it's stained brown with burnt oil.

Churchfield · 08-13-2012, 08:45 PM

Thanks. Will check that area you mentioned. Indy did repairs.

Kubica · 08-13-2012, 09:14 PM

Well if the drivers side axle by the diff is wet too, he probably just overfilled the diff. Search for VCG leak pictures and rule that out first though.

briantm85 · 08-18-2012, 08:28 AM

Any suggestions on where to get the AXLE SEAL? I looked at bavauto and FCPgroton and haven't seen the part. Thanks

Kubica · 08-18-2012, 11:49 AM

Search part number 33107505601.

http://ebmwparts.com/parts/index.cfm...&siteid=216397

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...FILTER_BMWM=ON

sidct · 08-21-2012, 07:38 PM

A common cause of oil seal leakage is vibration secondary to unbalanced drive train ( bad bearing, wheel balance etc). You will need to check these areas too.

08-13-2012, 07:45 PM	#1
Churchfield Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 2 My Ride: '02 330xi 5-spd MT View My Garage	Slight front axle leak My '02 330xi developed a slight leak on right (passenger side) front axle where it 'exits' the support bracket attached to oil pan. I believe it generates the slight 'hot oil' smell I note while driving. Is the fluid engine oil? Would that account for the loss of crankcase oil (500-700 miles/quart; Mobile 1, 0W-40). I never see oil on garage floor; only found it after taking off plastic shrouds. Axle was replaced about 10k ago w/OEM.

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08-13-2012, 07:56 PM	#2
Kubica Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 3,907 My Ride: 2003 325xi View My Garage	It sounds like a leaky axle seal. If so that would be diff fluid leaking, not engine oil. Is the axle just a little wet, or do you see a wet stripe on the plastic shield below? The axle seal should be replaced with each axle- who did the work? Indy? Stealer? You? If stealer, it should be covered under warranty. Before pinning it on the axle seal though, have a look to see if the valve cover gasket is leaking. That would explain the oil leak, smell, and oil consumption issues. Look at the metal shield next to the motor on the passenger side to see if it's stained brown with burnt oil.

08-13-2012, 08:45 PM	#3
Churchfield Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 2 My Ride: '02 330xi 5-spd MT View My Garage	Thanks. Will check that area you mentioned. Indy did repairs.

08-13-2012, 09:14 PM	#4
Kubica Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 3,907 My Ride: 2003 325xi View My Garage	Well if the drivers side axle by the diff is wet too, he probably just overfilled the diff. Search for VCG leak pictures and rule that out first though.

08-18-2012, 08:28 AM	#5
briantm85 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Northern VA Posts: 38 My Ride: 330xi 02' View My Garage	Any suggestions on where to get the AXLE SEAL? I looked at bavauto and FCPgroton and haven't seen the part. Thanks

08-18-2012, 11:49 AM	#6
Kubica Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 3,907 My Ride: 2003 325xi View My Garage	Search part number 33107505601. http://ebmwparts.com/parts/index.cfm...&siteid=216397 http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...FILTER_BMWM=ON

08-21-2012, 07:38 PM	#7
sidct Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: CT Posts: 29 My Ride: 2004 330Xi View My Garage	A common cause of oil seal leakage is vibration secondary to unbalanced drive train ( bad bearing, wheel balance etc). You will need to check these areas too.