BMHJ

I'm curious how many others have leaked. I've got a 1998 2.8 Avant Quattro Sport w/ 33,000 miles on it. I have found two leaks at the rear differential.

The worst leak was where the driveshaft meets the rear diff. It's kind of hidden behind the exhaust, but the heat shield and a brake line are coated in fluid and dirt. The flange seal going to the right rear wheel also showed signs of a leak.

I took the car to the dealer last week. They found the flange seal leak and replaced one seal, but they completely missed the other leak. PRETTY LAME! So the car is back at the dealer today. What a pain!

The driveshaft/diff seal leak may be hard to find because it is behind the exhaust. If fluid is leaking onto the exhaust pipe and burning off immediately, that would explain why there are no leaks evident on the floor of my garage. It would also make the leak hard to detect, as there is not as much visual evidence.

This may also explain why my wife and I both noticed a strange oil-like smell occasionally after our 30,000 mile service. The car was returned to the dealer after that service and told of the smell and a possible leak. But they said they found nothing.

Anyway, how many others have needed this repair?

Thanks