front axil center pumpkin leak

While installing my new set of factory skid plates today, i notice a drop of gear oil hanging off my front axil pumpkin. Looking at the pumpkin i notice a oil stain and visible oil on old plate. This is apperently a slow leek but alarming just the same. I chek all the bolts on the case and they are tight. This leak looks like it is comming from between the surfaces that bolt the pumpkin together. Is this just a case of the seal failing because as i see it if it has not become loose i would think it should stay sealed untill the case is broken open for maintinence or somthing. this is a 2000 silv 4x4 stan cab 4.8 L 5 speed. any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated 58,000 miles and case has never been opened. Thx JJ

While installing my new set of factory skid plates today, i notice a drop of gear oil hanging off my front axil pumpkin. Looking at the pumpkin i notice a oil stain and visible oil on old plate. This is apperently a slow leek but alarming just the same. I chek all the bolts on the case and they are tight. This leak looks like it is comming from between the surfaces that bolt the pumpkin together. Is this just a case of the seal failing because as i see it if it has not become loose i would think it should stay sealed untill the case is broken open for maintinence or somthing. this is a 2000 silv 4x4 stan cab 4.8 L 5 speed. any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated 58,000 miles and case has never been opened. Thx JJ

I had the same thing under my 2002 Z71 5.3L Auto. It looks like it is coming from the front pumpk

While installing my new set of factory skid plates today, i notice a drop of gear oil hanging off my front axil pumpkin. Looking at the pumpkin i notice a oil stain and visible oil on old plate. This is apperently a slow leek but alarming just the same. I chek all the bolts on the case and they are tight. This leak looks like it is comming from between the surfaces that bolt the pumpkin together. Is this just a case of the seal failing because as i see it if it has not become loose i would think it should stay sealed untill the case is broken open for maintinence or somthing. this is a 2000 silv 4x4 stan cab 4.8 L 5 speed. any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated 58,000 miles and case has never been opened. Thx JJ

I had the same thing under my 2002 Z71 5.3L Auto. It looks like it is coming from the front pumpkin. Mine turned out to be a front axle seal that was leaking and not the seal on the pumpkin. Replaced the seal and it was fixed. the oil was all over my pumpkin down by the bolt and on my skid plate. I hope this help for another place to look at.

ok i'll check it closer...JJ

ok i'll check it closer...JJ

Did you ever figure out exactly were the leak was coming from.

Not yet AF i'm recovering from a surgery but still watching the forums. I will check it though ,and if this is it (wich it sounds probable that it is), i will need to know if this axil seal is somthing i can do here at home as i have air tools now and no money to take it to the feeler dealer....JJ

Not yet AF i'm recovering from a surgery but still watching the forums. I will check it though ,and if this is it (wich it sounds probable that it is), i will need to know if this axil seal is somthing i can do here at home as i have air tools now and no money to take it to the feeler dealer....JJ

I have heard that it is easy to do. I had mine done under warrenty.