Hi,

Just noticed that the left side of the front diff is sprayed with oil and road grime. I didnt have the right allen key (14mm?) to open the fill plug to check the level but when looking up I noticed some oil on the oilcooler(?) and an open hose with some oil on it. What is it? Could it have sprayed the left side of the front diff with oil from above?

Finally, should the filter in the last photo look like this?

Click image to enlarge

The open hose by the oil filter and the other filter are the same as mine so would suggest these are OK. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

The open pipe next to the filter is the breather for either the front diff or the transfer box (can't remember which but there will be two such pipes in the vicinity) From your description it could be that your diff vent is blocked causing oil to spew out over the housing.

The small filter is the breather for the gearbox .