I'm perplexed by the apparent oil/grease leaks around the intermediate shaft bearing area. On the passenger side it appears to be dried up grease and on the driver side oily dirt. I understand the intermediate shaft bearing is sealed and there should be no grease inside the bearing support. So is it reasonable to believe the leaked stuff did not come from the bearing or bearing support? But still I wonder if this is an indication that the bearing is about to go. I haven't noticed any noise or felt any vibration yet though. Would any expert shed some insights?


Looking at the intermediate shaft bearing from the right. On the left it's the inboard joint of the right driveshaft, the intermediate shaft bearing support (housing) is in the middle. The dark stuff appears to be dried grease, probably leaked out from the inboard joint?


Looking at the intermediate shaft bearing from the left. There's oily deposit on and around the bearing support ring.

 

Here are a few pictures, for comparison, of an extra CL-S six speed intermediate shaft I have with only 18K miles.

As you can see, there is some grease within the splined receiver, though, once it would mate up with the inboard
male part of the passenger side axle, the seal would help contain it.

Looking at the inner part, there does not appear to be 'gobs' of available grease that would tend to 'leak' after
many miles of use?


This side is nice a clean, looking at the intermediate shaft coming from the transmission to the half shaft bearing
support fastened to the block.






Yours does not look that 'bad' IMHO; however, since you do not mention how many miles are on the one pictured,
I'm not sure to speculate.

Maybe hose both greasy sides down with brake clean and monitor for a few weeks to observe whether the
'leaked stuff' returns?
Good Luck!

 

Could be coming from elsewhere or thrown from the boot (is it cracked?)

 

check oil pan and other areas including the oil filter housing for leaks. Oil filter housing is common area were drips can run and make you chase the wrong direction. Clean the oil/grease and see where it comes from in the next drive or 2.