Car smells like gear oil. Is this normal?

[avaholic]

So I just replaced my clutch and flywheel and also drained/replaced all the fluid in the transaxle and transfer case. I've driven the car for about 60 miles since then and have noticed that whenever I drive it the car will smell like gear oil pretty bad. Is this something that's normal and just goes away after driving it for a little while, or does this indicate a problem? Thanks!

 

[EagleTSIawd]

check and see if the seals on the transmission where the axles connect aren't leaking. Especially the drivers side, as that could drip on to the exhaust pipe and give you that burnt oil smell.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

I agree with the above post. Take a look around and make sure it's not leaking anywhere. If you have no leaks, you have nothing to worry about. That gear oil can be really stinky and you might be smelling some that ran down the transmission or transfer case when you were filling them. If you didn't clean it off with brake cleaner or something you WILL smell it, especially when it gets hot. Good luck my friend

 

[avaholic]

You know what, that's probably it. I just wiped off the extra oil with a paper towel and then bolted the filler plug back up. Next time I'll use the brake cleaner though!

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Cool! At least it isn't leaking. No need to worry then, you're good to go.

 

[avaholic]

Oh yeah, I forgot to ask, is this something that will go away soon as it will all just burn off? I assume it is, but if it's something that I'm going to need to clean off to get rid of, I'm gonna hop on that today.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

It's not going to burn off because it doesn't get hot enough to do so. You are going to want to go ahead and clean it off with some degreaser or brake cleaner etc. if you want it gone immediately.

 

[avaholic]

Alright, I'll do that right now! Thanks a lot!