A year or so ago, I was told that my '97 Outback is slowly leaking oil from the differential vent. It has been 'topped off' a couple of times to ensure that the differential is full. I was told that I did not have to have the vent replaced right away. (Does this sound right?)

 

Within the past 4-5 days I have been noticing a quarter to silver dollar size spot of oil on the pavement after I have been parked for a short while and the differential looks wet. Previously, I was seeing no oil on the pavement only spewed all over the differential itself.

 

My car seems to be driving just fine, but I am becoming more and more concerned that this could turn into a bigger problem. What are the consequences of not getting this fixed right away? Could this lead to bigger and uglier problems?

 

Thanks!

I say definately fix it right away. With nothing in that spot you have a hole on the top letting anything in, snow, water, dirt....

Ya my dealer told me the same thing, go point you made snow can get in there. But they told me barely anyhting will come out so i wouldnt worry about it for another 20,000km.

I agree that you should get it fixed right away.There may also be a possibility that it is over filled causing it to come out the vent.I would double check your level and then put on a new diff vent piece.Winters in Alaska can be hard on something like that even if you only do mostly city driving.