Oily residue on rear frame?

[HereWeGo]

I can't say this is new, but I just noticed it. Driver side near rear tire, the frame has an oily residue patch. I inspected the brake line and it's all dry. There is an axle vent tube that terminates in that area, but it is also dry. Any ideas?

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[Artsifrtsi]

How does the shock look at that corner?

EDIT: Also look at the inside of the wheel... maybe an axle seal...

 

[Reddog]

Looks like the stuff is on fender liner too. You may have hit a puddle or something that had oily residue in it. After a long dry spell there is a lot of oil on the road and in puddles. Use brake cleaner to remove the residue and the watch for a while. You should see some indication of it's origin if coming from your running gear. If not, it was from road. Good luck.

 

[HereWeGo]

Looks like the stuff is on fender liner too. You may have hit a puddle or something that had oily residue in it. After a long dry spell there is a lot of oil on the road and in puddles. Use brake cleaner to remove the residue and the watch for a while. You should see some indication of it's origin if coming from your running gear. If not, it was from road. Good luck.

Great idea, thanks!! Will clean that up and watch.

 

[Max-t]

Theres always the „you drove through a puddle of diesel“ answer. Or the like. I’ve had many leaks over the decades. None like that. Gas overflow? You a topper offer?

 

[Osteodoc08]

Have you had the vehicle detailed or used a spray tire shine and that’s overspray of the tire shine?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Theres always the „you drove through a puddle of diesel“ answer. Or the like. I’ve had many leaks over the decades. None like that.

I have. And there will always be answers like that because it actually happens.
I've had to clean off my share of residue - oil, tar, even stuff like that over the years when I get a show car to the destination and have to pull out cleaning supplies and clean the undercarriage of what the judges may think is a leak - and there are no leaks.

Have you had the vehicle detailed or used a spray tire shine and that’s overspray of the tire shine?

That's another option because that crap flings and makes a mess. I use only stuff that doesn't fling off tires. Dealers and detailers don't care.

 

[HereWeGo]

I don't top off the tank, so not that. The tire shine is a good possibility. I would have never thought of that. I just looked again and three of the four wheel wells have this same residue. And yes, it was detailed just a few weeks ago. I will still clean it up and watch it.

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions!! I'll consider this case closed for now.

Cheers!

 

[BearFootSam]

It looks like my undercarriage which I coat periodically with a lanolin grease. The lanolin seems to creep once warmed creating a wet oily appearance similar to your photo. On the upside everything is rust free if not dust and dirt free.

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