Posted: Jun 16 2009 at 10:46am | IP Logged

Oh the envy is just starting.  I would love to have a diesel frontier here in the states. 

As for the oil leak, a clear light brownish could still be engine oil if it's fresh oil.  but that also sounds like DOT 3 brake fluid.  Which could be a leak in your brake system (a big problem) or a leak in your clutch system, if you have a manual.

Posted: Jun 16 2009 at 1:07pm | IP Logged

Diesels can be a little more spendy here as well. 

Have you had problems getting it into gear lately, or has it felt a little sluggish when stopping?

Posted: Jun 16 2009 at 2:04pm | IP Logged

I saw the pictures, that looks to be your Input shaft seal for the transmission.  You might want to get that fixed as soon as possible.  It could cause damage to your gears from the lack of lubrication.  Since changing gears hasn't become harder then your slave cylinder isn't leaking. 

You might want to have you clutch looked as well.  Oil on the clutch discs causes slippage and premature failure. 

Posted: Jun 16 2009 at 2:26pm | IP Logged

I'll give you another piece of advice... they're going to have to take the transmission out to replace the seal.  If you're lucky enough to have a easy design you can have them replace the rear main seal of your motor while they're at it. 

If the shop comes back and says that the seal looks fine, but would like to replace it, let them do it... but have them show you the old seal after they are done.  Some shops can be shady and charge for work they never did. 

Reason behind this is simple.  The seal might be fine now, and could last for a few more years.  But when it goes they will have to pull the transmission again.  If you do it now, it's like hitting the reset button on the trip meter.  You will have a fresh seal that will last for years to come and not have to worry about.  Worth the little extra $$$$ you have to shell out.