Front Diff Question - Strange Color Fluid

[jgold47]

I did a service this weekend and attempted to change my front Diff fluid. I couldnt get past the undershield bolts, but realized I could access the fill plug from within the wheel well. I tried to use a fluid extractor to get some of the fluid out, but nothing would really catch. What did catch, however was this really strange looking orange colored fluid. I've never seen anything like that before I cant really find any other references to a fluid this color. I would suggest that the color is closer to like HOAT antifreeze. Anyways, I further expected there to be some fluid in the diff, but figured I would top it off regardless. It then proceeded to consume 1/2 of a quart of fluid before running out of the hole.

My question is 1) has anyone come across that situation with the fluid before

2. how on earth could that diff have been so low on fluid without any other signs?

I've got some other misc oil weeping on my car (high pressure PS lines weeping, and an undentified weep from the back of the engine (on the transmission crank bellhousing), but nothing coming from the diff....


thoughts?