L322 2004, 3.0 TD6 Vogue, oil leak underneath front

Good evening everybody, some help required in identifying an oil leak underneath engine bay.
I have just noticed a slight oil leak that has appeared underneath the front of my 2004 diesel vogue.
Upon closer inspection I can confirm the lubricant that is leaking out appears to be a clean golden colour, I'm guessing this is front axle lubricant? I have attached a picture to this thread marking an arrow where the lubricant is leaking and would be most grateful if any member could assist in confirming this is a leak from the front diff. I have wiped the area clean and can confirm the oil leaking is golden in colour. If the diff is leaking is this an expensive job £££££££ to do as my mechanical knowledge is limited so it will be a trip to my local independent.Any advice would be great thank you.

That is indeed the front diff.....changing the oil is a piece of ****.

Job is much easier on a ramp/lift.....vehicle must be level when you do this to ensure you have the correct oil level. Driving up a pair of ramps will not get the vehicle level. using 4 ramps will give you enough room. I use 4 ramps for when I do a GB oil change.......you could raise to extended height, but you MUST support the chassis on stands just incase the EAS fails or levels itself and always keep a door open.

Clean the areas around the drain and fill/level plug.
First make sure you can get the fill/level plug undone....this is found above the subframe rail just above the big drain plug in your top photo.
Then open the drain plug and let the oil drain out into a container.
Clean the drain plug thread, and apply a thread sealant and replace.
Clean thread on fill/level plug.
Refill the diff using the recommended fluid (75W/90 API GL5) refill capacity is about 0.75 litres.
Correct level is when a thin stream of oil dribbles from the fill/level plug.
Apply thread sealant to the fill/level plug and replace.
Clean up and swear at the dog for getting in the way the whole time.
Job Done.

Thanks Saint, had a look and it looks easy enough, whats worrying me is their appears to be a slight leak of diff oil, there is a slight dribble of a golden syrup type fluid on the under neath of my diff as shown in picture marked by yellow arrow. Have cleaned it and took her for a run and re-checked and a slight dribble there again. I'm concerned, is this a case of a simple oil seal needing replacing of something worse ££££££

Is it leaking from the plug or the joint, or worse, the case cracked?

If it is from the plug, it could be the thread sealant has degraded and could do with a drain and refill to reapply the thread sealant.
If it is from the joint, then the gasket could have degraded and is now leaking, proper repair is to remove diff, split open and replace the gasket....not a job for the uninitiated!
If it is from a crack in the diff casing (rare), then it is a case of removing diff, stripping it out, welding the case (if possible) and refit, or replace the diff casing (or complete diff).....

Thanks Saint, deffo not the plug, it appears to be weeping from the top and running down to the underneath, a small weep at moment,

The fill/level plug is above the drain plug....could it be from there?

Checked filler plug, seems dry, think this is gonna need further investigation, last thing I want to do is blow the diff

Looks like pinion oil seal leak

tarphenry said:

Looks like pinion oil seal leak

Click to expand...

Thanks tarphenry, booked into local indy for further inspection, not gonna driver just in case I cause any diff damage.