The 2000 Ford Explorer owners manual shows : Motorcraft SAE 80 W - 90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant for the FRONT axle
According to the owners manual - Motorcraft SAE 80 W - 90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant in the front ( and rear ) differentials on a 2000 Ford Explorer
The front axle nut for a 2000 Ford Explorer Limited typically has a size of 32mm. It's important to use the correct socket size to avoid damage during removal or installation. Always ensure that you torque the nut to the manufacturer's specifications when replacing it.
It's the oil/fluid that is in the rear drive axle (and front axle on 4x4).
29 mm axle nut
Is the fluid coming from the vent hose ? When the differential fluid gets warm , it expands , and sometimes can come out the vent tube ( especially if someone has " topped it up " when it is colder ) or is it leaking from a front axle seal ?
The 2000 Ram had u joints, not cv joints at the front axle.
To check the front differential fluid level on a 2005 Ford Explorer, first, ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and safely supported. Locate the front differential, which is typically found near the front axle. Remove the fill plug, usually located on the side of the differential housing, and check if the fluid is level with the bottom of the plug hole; if it drips out, the level is sufficient. If not, you will need to add the appropriate differential fluid until it reaches that level.
On a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, the front axle hose is typically located near the front differential, running from the axle to the brake calipers. It is part of the brake line system, delivering brake fluid to the front brakes. You may need to look under the vehicle to access it, as it runs alongside the suspension components. Always ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported when inspecting or working on brake lines.
Axle seal is bad and needs to be replaced
I had a 2000 Explorer with a grinding noise coming from the front . It my case, it was the axle bearing assembly on both sides. They are around 200 per side to purchase.
Is it actually leaking from the axle seal or once it got warmed up did it shoot some fluid from the front differential vent hose ?
On your Ford Explorer , 4x4 , you have a leak at the PASSENGER side front axle seal ( I have had my passenger side front axle seal changed 3 times now on my 1995 Ford Explorer ) The seal doesn't cost very much , the cost is the labor and I would say it takes about 1 and 1/4 hours to do the job