I found soot around the passenger side axle bearing. It sits underneath the oil filter housing, which is bone dry and completely clean.... and no soot anywhere on the exhaust (backside) of the engine.

Does this look like the bearing seals are damaged?






On cold starts, water leaks from a welding joint at the muffler. Looks like the welding isn't perfect. Is it something I should be concerned about? Will this tiny leak mess up smog inspection?


Thanks for your input...

 

Can't imagine a smog guy even noticing - especially if it's warmed up.
Not sure about the bearing. I hate fluid leaks.

 

Smog guy won't notice it for sure but the leak may allow oxygen to enter the exhaust stream and messes up the reading.

 

I'd guess that the soot as you call it is just from oil leaking out of the filter during an oil change. Keep an eye on it, buy I think it's a non-issue.

We don't have to smog our cars here, but I've read that your car should be good & warm before being smogged. Once good & hot that exhaust pipe will expand & most likely not leak. IMHO another non-issue.

 

Nope....o2 at the muffler will not leak in (even if it did, it is downstreem of the catlatic converter and the o2 sensor, so all the chemical reactions/combustion is complete)...remember, the tail pipe is pressurized, and the condensation is getting forced out at the joint. Some cars and some mufflers actually have weep holes to allow this to happen.
As for you exaust leak, just monitor it....it my someday turn into a spot that needs a bit of welding, but it is not a safety or relableity issue.
The soot up front...wipe it off, and monitor. If it is an issue, it is likely something that will take a long time to worsen....it is possible that the soot was just thrown off a rotating part that got splashed...just monitor it, and don't obsess!!

 

Zippy - your explanation about the muffler makes sense. The exhaust gas is already downstream from the CAT so it most likely won't affect smog inspection.

As for the bearing knuckle on the Pass-side output, it could be oil dripping from previous oil changes. I'm only concerned because the Powertrain Warranty is about to expire. The drive shaft costs $580 + labor.

I've scheduled a visit to the dealer... will see what they say.

 

Always good to get stuff looked at before the parts warrenty ends.