Newly acquired 2009 H3T Alpha, 1 owner bought from dealer. 107,000 miles. After 3 weeks driving, check engine light came on. Used a code reader and saw that it was a Catalyst System issue (P0430). Reader said 'medium severity' so took to shop, they confirmed and I decided to replace the cat pipes from header to exhaust. I ordered a Magnaflow exhaust system, since I was replacing the cats but that darn thing is STILL on backorder. I provide these details as it might be relevant, I don't know. I'm not a mechanic but I can follow directions and am pretty handy with a tool. Last night I got under the T to "find these torsion bar bolts" i've been reading about to level the T out as I am looking to upgrade to 35s w/ 18" rims. As I mentioned in another thread, I ordered the Old Man Emu shocks and springs (also on backorder).

While under the truck, I noticed this wet area and it is black/dark brown and sticky. Looks like a problem. It's not oil as its too sticky. Can anyone tell from the video screen shots what this is before I take it back in to fix? I didn't know what thread to search for as I'm not sure what this is. If i had to guess, I'd say it was the front differential as it's not part of the front suspension. That sounds fricken expensive. Please advise? Clearly I need to get this truck sound before adding anything else to it. I apologize in advance if I'm in the wrong thread...I'm just freaking out right now.

 

Is it the CV Axle Assembly??

 

yes it looks like the CV axel. it might need a new seal. you probably want to check your diff fluid level.

 

Thank you Bronxteck. I know how to change the differential oil (empty it from bottom and refill til it dribbles out) but how do I "check" it? It's 10 years old, so should I just replace both assemblies or just take it in and have mechanic change seals and add new fluid. Strange enough it seems easier for me to swap out for new...versus diagnosing it and fixing it, hoping it was just the seals. If I could "check" the levels, as you recommend that would be cool...but there's no 'dip stick' for the differential....is there? Again, thank you for your response. At least I know I'm in the right ballpark.

 

I replace my diff fluid every 10-15k miles, and still no leaks. When was the last time you replaced your diff fluid? Btw, dirty fluid debris gets trapped into the shaft seals, causing leaks. If your dirty fluid damaged the seals, pull the shafts and replace the seals, reinstall the shafts, refill with good quality synthetic fluid, done.

My goto fluid : RoyalPurpleMaxGear

 

Hummerz, great advice. I just bought my truck and the diff fluid was NOT on the list of tasks done by the dealer before I bought it, so WHO KNOWS when the previous owner last changed it. This is what I will do this weekend...and begin the right regimen as you suggest. Given how sticky the fluid is around the bracket, I'm sure it's dirty fluid. Again, thank you! Just need to find some new seals! I'm sure I've seen the Purple fluid in AutoZone before.

 

Definitely a good start, change the fluid! After, spray degreaser/cleaner around the area where the oil is, and monitor. If new fluid shows up, change the seals.

 

to find the level of diff fluid you remove the fill plug on a level surface. if you have to stick your finger in the hole to see if there is oil then it needs oil. filled is when it just starts to dribble out the fill hole.

 

Never count on the Stealership to do any thing extra for you except superficial shiny things that make them money.

If there were not any maintenence records with the H3. Assume that very little was done.

Fluids are very important to your H3. Like fluids matter to our bodies.