Hello,

 

I own a 2002 Subaru Outback. Thus far, the car has been great but I noticed a red oily substance on the garage floor. Upon further investigation, it appears to be my front left CV joint (inner?) that is leaking. The car is not making any noises yet.

 

Questions:

 

Am I safe to drive it to the mechanic or will this cause further problems?

 

What kind of price can I expect to get it fixed?

 

Thanks!

The red fluid is more then likely automatic trans fluid. It's probably not leaking out of the front diff....or it shouldn't. The front diff should have differential fluid which is typically brownish. I would check the front diff level and atf fluid.

 

Either way, it should be ok in driving it to the mechanic.

The grease in a your CV boot is usually dark in color and is not suppose to drip unless you get it really warm. If your CV boot tears, like mine did on the front right, the grease will fling outward all over your engine bay on that side. It smells really nice when it hits your hot exhaust piping, too.

Thanks, Josh. Yes, it is ATF leaking. Just a little confusing, as it is leaking from a metal ring (seal?) that attaches the inner CV boot to the front differential.

 

The red fluid is more then likely automatic trans fluid. It's probably not leaking out of the front diff....or it shouldn't. The front diff should have differential fluid which is typically brownish. I would check the front diff level and atf fluid.

 

Either way, it should be ok in driving it to the mechanic.