Bought a '96 SE, now I'm leaking oil a day later...

[BigLou93se]

I just got a really good deal on a '96 dark green, 5 speed maxima SE with 131xxx on the clock. Engine seems very strong, but now after leaving it in my driveway for about 10 mins., I found a good sized oil puddle. the car has a waranty, but that's more than an hour away (I traveled to get this). Hopefully all will work out well...my mechanic will probably take some time to see if it's an easy fix...wish me luck

Louis

by the way, my family owns a '97 GLE (auto) and the difference between the cars is phenomenal. The SE suspension is soooo much tighter and the transmission makes a world of difference. Thank god I was following my mother home from the place, because even with her there, I couldn't help downshifting and pressing down the gas. without her, I probably would have gotten in trouble ...haha

[Ceasars Chariot]

good luck with the new max !

[BigLou93se]

thanks a lot, by the way, congrats on having such a sweet n/a max ...I hope this leak doesn't cause too much trouble. fingers crossed, maybe a screw or something is just loose...
Louis

[MaxedOut88]

Hopefully its not something major. Possibly just filter maybe not tight, drain plug loose, or small copper ring on the drain plug might be cracked. Goodluck.

[BigLou93se]

hi everyone...
for those who were wondering about my situation, I took my car to my mechanic, who got under the car and said that the driver side axle seal was faulty, and that the oil was coming from the tranny - gear oil. This is going to be fixed under a waranty provided by the wholesaler I bought the car from on Monday. I'll also be doing a diagnostic scan of the engine to see if I can get anything else fixed before the waranty ...ah well, did a very thorough wash and wax on the car today, it looks like a million bucks.

Louis

[mishmosh]

You didn't see the oil leak when you bought the car? Did you know there is a huge problem with the differential carrier bearings going which causes free play in the axle, in turn causing the leak?

Before you waste your time replacing the seal, get under the car and try to move the axle end where it enters the transmission. If there is free play, your differential bearings are shot and will need to be replaced. If the axle is tight on the carrier, then OK, maybe the seal needs to be replaced. If the oil is at the very bottom of the bellhousing it could also be a leak of the rear main seal.