Im having a rotational/vibration noise and decided to take off the front skid plate protecting the transfer case. Looking around and I see this area that looks wet. Looks like there is a pulley wheel in front of the wet area. Does anyone know for sure what this area is? I included two pictures, not the best. Thanks in advance!!

 

 

Do you know for sure that's water? Seems like it could be a leaky oil pan. What engine do you have and what year is your truck? I think there's a TSB out for leaky oil pans on some of the newer ecoboost engines.

 

Im not 100% sure, but you make a good point bc i remember seeing oil on the corner bolt of whatever pan that is in the picture. Truck is currently at ford waiting for a diagnostic for the noise im hearing. Diagnostic is $200, i think thats crazy but not sure if thats the normal price for dealers. They are also giving me a free appraisal for the buy back program. Should be interesting to see what they appraise it at. I have a 2015 lariat 2.7.

 

that has all the makings of an oil pan leak

 

If it is a bad water pump, most water pumps have a blow out hole that would be spurting water while the engine is running. Look at it from the top while the engine is running to see if there is water coming out of the water pump.