Ever since it has snowed here since Christmas week, I have been getting a burning oil or tire smell coming from the rear of the vehicle. I cannot pin point the smell, but also cannot tell if it is oil or tires...

All on the same day, I did brakes all around, new tires and an oil change. I do not know if this has something to do with the rear diff and the tires spinning at different speeds a few times (just having fun) or if I need an alignment and tires are getting warm...

Whatever it is, happens mostly from freeway speeds, then I will stop and get out and smell it. Cannot smell it from inside... Been going on for a couple of weeks now... When I got the vehicle washed today I got the undercarriage wash done to wash off the dirt/sand/salt and oils to see if there are any new leaks... The vehicle was idling for about 5 minutes before the wash and when I got out I noticed the rear diff steaming a decent amount. I am thinking of doing a rear diff fluid change and no I do not have the posi... No leaks that I can tell, but does this sound like a low diff fluid issue?

1999 Durango, 5.2l, 4x4, 9 1/4 rear with no posi...

 

I couldn't imagine that the diff should be steaming. I would definitely check the fluid and the level.

 

Sounds good... Do they make a rear diff seal? I know most of the time people use ATV but I want to try and find a silicone rubber seal like I had for the water pump...

 

I'm not sure. A good high temp RTV is all you need and all I used.

 

Ck the fluid level in the diff 1st, Then remove the rear tires and ck the brakes and ck the axle seals for leaks too. I know with caravans, when water gets into the drums it causes the drums to lock up. You could have the same problem, but with snow.

 

I thought my Truck had a horrible gasoline odor but it turned out to be the soles of my big 5 shoes back in 97.
Tortured the dealer on that one oops....