lexyp

I'm not sure how the oil made it that far, but unless trans oil looks and feels the same as engine oil, I'm clueless...

quattrothatcould

Hence you're leaking trans fluid.

lookaught::02_Avant!

left field I guess.

Its a leaking shaft seal on the driveshaft. Sometimes they start leaking... sometimes they even fix themselves. If it's dripping (which it appears to be) then it's a bad enough leak that you should fix it.

FYI gear oil smells different from engine oil.

Id guess two hours labor to fix, the seals are cheap.

ggcrash

We all have this or will have this issue during the life of our cars.(the 1.8's) Got from an AUDI tech. Output propeller shaft seals are prone to leakage over time after mounts go due to excessive vibration. I replaced mine at about 72k with snub mount and fluid filled motor mounts, I am now at 143k and its started to leak again...same with motor mounts. The J-plug issue shows up when the temp.is cold outside. You will begin to smell anti-freeze, getting in and out of your car...When the seal fails on that plug, air is drawn into cooling system and eventually locks heater core. Do a search on no heat, and prop shaft seal and you will see what I mean. One thing about this forum, when you have an issue with your car, chances are-your not the only one...

lexyp

I tried calling some shops for a quote, but they kept asking me which drive shaft seal and I said the front one, but they said they need more details on the exact part.

MikekiM@PureMS

Descriptively it's the main driveshaft output flange seal. Make sure you describe it as the main driveshaft, meaning you have Quattro.
Many places might confuse it with the CV output flanges, which are completely different.