Where is this leak coming from?

[Owen Lucas]

I have an odd dusting / accumulation of oil on my passenger side front CV axle.

2021 Honda Pilot 40k miles. 3.5L V6 J35Y6

Could this be engine oil or can the CV axle grease be leaking somehow?

I do not see any other evidence of oil leaks on the engine so I'm thinking of using UV dye and see if that lights up the axle boot after a few hundred miles. BTW, should I use a specific dye for Honda's 0w20? I have a feeling they are universal but just want to be sure for warranty purposes.

 

[GMBoy]

Looks like it could just be residual oil from oil changes since the oil filter is so close by. But since you are under warranty why not just take it in for them to fix?

 

[cptbarkey]

road dirt/mud/gunk accumulation.

 

[Kira]

Some "anti-corrosion" spray?

 

[JimPghPA]

Oil from the oil filter being removed getting on it and then dirt accumulating on what's left of the oil. Blast it off with a spray bottle filled with 70% alcohol that you get from the drugstore. That shouldn't harm the rubber but cut through the oil enough to help you be able to get it off. You'l probably have to take a rag to it that also has that alcohol on it.

It's a motor vehicle it's not a dinner plate. That amount of accumulation is nothing at all to worry about in the first place.

---

 

[Owen Lucas]

Looks like it could just be residual oil from oil changes since the oil filter is so close by. But since you are under warranty why not just take it in for them to fix?

I'm concerned they might charge me for a diagnostic plus I'm doing an oil change soon my self.

road dirt/mud/gunk accumulation.

Some "anti-corrosion" spray?

Oil from the oil filter being removed getting on it and then dirt accumulating on what's left of the oil. Blast it off with a spray bottle filled with 70% alcohol that you get from the drugstore. That shouldn't harm the rubber but cut through the oil enough to help you be able to get it off. You'l probably have to take a rag to it that also has that alcohol on it.

It's a motor vehicle it's not a dinner plate. That amount of accumulation is nothing at all to worry about in the first place.

---

I'll be changing the oil soon, make sure the boot is spotless, and monitor for any accumulation. Maybe no need to put dye in it just yet.

 

[Lubener]

To me, it doesn't raise any concerns.

 

[Nick1994]

Road grime, move along

 

[MaximaGuy]

Looks like oil residue - do your oil changes with LOVE and CLEANILESS and CLEANUP

 

[hrv]

Spray the area with brake cleaner and check again in a few days...

 

[himemsys]

I agree with @hrv clean the area good and see if it comes back. If it does you might be able to tell (now that it's cleaned off) where it's originating.

 

[KrisZ]

The highlighted spot looks like evidence of the boot being wiped off. It probably is from the oil filter spilling over the boot.

I would not add any dye just yet, just clean the boot and see how it looks like the next OCI.

 

[zzyzzx]

I'm seeing dirt.

 

[paulo57509]

If that boot was the normal black color, you'd never know there was a "problem".

 

[Barkleymut]

Holy Moses, she looks perfect. Drive it.

 

[another Todd]

If it doesn't drip onto the ground it's not a leak.

 

[Exhaustgases]

I really think that horrible looking mess calls for a new engine and transmission to be installed ASAP, better get to the dealer fast and spend 20K to get it fixed. I know one thing for sure, I would not want to be the one working on it.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

In a photo like that it is kinda hard to see what the concern is. That said. Eventually some CV joint boots like that will show a little sign of grease/dirt. Thing is if it does not get any worse , there is no problem. Just clean off and keep your eye on it. I am almost certain those , like brake pads and rotors are NOT warranty covered items unless facto waranties have changed. I bet one of BITOG Honda techs can tell you right off if they are covered items. In any event, CV shafts are not highly expensive to replace "unless" you pay a "stealership" for the job.