Diff oil smell at left rear wheel

[AndriesS]

Lately I've noticed a slight diff oil smell at the left rear wheel in the fender (mainly after intercity high way driving), nothing extreme but there is a wiff . I don't see any oil around the wheel. On the right I have the typical rubber smell. Should I be concerned? The wheel does not feel warmer than the other wheel either. Any suggestions - is the breather maybe on that side?

[Peter Connan]

Hello Andries

The breather on my car is on the diff pumpkin, and is piped to the chassis cross-member, approximately in the middle.

In the ends of the chassis cross-member there are big rubber plugs, which you should be able to see looking into the wheelarch just above/behind the tire. Perhaps this plug has fallen out?

[AndriesS]

Thanks, I'll check but I'm sure it is still in place

[AndriesS]

I quickly removed the caliper and disk. Bad news is there is oil leaking. Already removed the shaft , seal looks kinda special and will get from Nissan. Some say one should replace the bearing while at it but that means taking the shaft to someone with a press. I'm gonna push my luck and see if it might be just a bad seal. If i'm lucky the local Nissan will get it tomorrow, BUT the factory closes at 12 and I might only get it on monday.