Hey guys. I have a 2000 Durango, with the 5.9L V8. It has a leak way up front on the drivers side. I thought it was the front diff leaking, (looks like it is a little bit) but the worst of it is coming from in front of it. I don't see anywhere on the engine where it is leaking. The engine oil level hasn't changed. There is a lot of oil on that plastic skid up front.

It sure looks like gear oil to me, but I'm stumped. It'll leave a little puddle about 4" in diamater over night.

 

Check transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid if you're not losing oil.

 

My oil is a bit low, but still in the safe area on the dip. Just seems like i would be losing more oil by the looks of the mess.

Here are some pics, hopefully they help.

 

 

In those pictures, you can see where the oil is collecting and dripping. I can't figure out where it is leaking from tho.

 

Check power steering pump and hoses as well as the trans cooler lines.

 

Are the transmission cooler lines right there?

 

Monitor your fluids to see which one is getting lower. Also you can put a piece white paper towel under the leak to try to see color if any. As far forward as the puddle seems to be, assuming you didn't move the truck it looks like possibly coolant. Honestly the photo's you showed under the hood look pretty normal for a truck our age as far as wet spots go. As we age we start to get small inconsequential leaks that aren't really bad just annoying.

 

My initial thought was coolant, but it is definitely oil. The color is the light brownish color. Basically looks like the color of brand new oil out of the bottle.

 

Just for giggles, have you been cleaning up the oil from when you change filters? I know it is a pain, but if you think you have a leak, the first thing I would do is drop and clean the plastic skid plate and degrease the underside. It looks like power steering or oil filter changes to me.