I would prefer the butter analogy, thank you...

 

woah what was the dew bottle for? it looks full! I take it that overflowed?

 

 

Yeah, something happened while he was going down the 1/4 strip.. lol.

 

As the wheels are driven over bumps in the road and go up and down the axle has to get longer and shorter. The joint next to the transfer case is there to allow this movement. On the work bench it can be moved in and out several inches. So, sideways play is normal.

 

I concur with just about everyone else in the thread. I don't believe it's an oil mixture due to the viscosity. It's very thick like grease.

When I was installing my motor, I ripped one my axle boots reinstalling my half shafts. It looked identical to your photos. I would take the car to someone with a lift so you can do a thorough inspection and slowly turn the wheels to inspect the entire circumference of each boot.

-Acree

 

Well once again I checked it and there's NO buttery substance anywhere. I'm going to take it to the auto shop on the base I work at and check all the boots out thoroughly. I will report back.

 

UPDATE PLEASE this just happened to me today!!!! also did you have any work prior to this happening?

 

Pull your radiator cap off and check there.
Pull off your oil cap and check for creamy substance.
Pull your dipstick and check for similar substance.
Actually jack your car up and check the inner and outer CV boot on both sides. Turn your wheels both directions and run your hand round all the grooves in the cv boots inner and outer.

(I can't see pictures anymore they're expired. Use imageshack.us)

If you know for sure it's not your cv's:
Coolant pressure test your car. Should stay at 15psi.
Compression test your car. (Dont forget to pull the fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay)

Lastly check around your diff and transmission. Does your car drive funny?

 

i would ask if uve been to the bar recently maybe carried a drunk friend out left him unattended, and he threw up under your hood without telling you haha...jk but on the real looks like axle grease like many of people have posted prior.