Mystery leak near front tow hook? (1 Viewer)

[canyonrider]

I spotted some new stains on the pavement under my LC over the past few days, and traced it to a clear-ish fluid that seems to be dripping from the driver's side front tow hook hole. Any thoughts on what this could be? The fluid is definitely not water, but also seems pretty colorless. It has a sticky or slightly oily feel and is leaving a visible dark stain on pavement. No smell. My regular indy mechanic took a quick look today, but couldn't tell where it's coming from and did not have time to get it up on a lift or pull anything apart. He suggested keeping an eye on it until I'm back in for my next regular service in a couple of months, and then he can dig in further. I'm wondering if any others here have seen this before. Suspension/KDSS related perhaps?

 

[tbisaacs]

have you looked at it from above? There aren't engine accessories on the driver's side but certainly radiator, transcooler, power steering cooler are all in that neighborhood

 

[canyonrider]

have you looked at it from above? There aren't engine accessories on the driver's side but certainly radiator, transcooler, power steering cooler are all in that neighborhood

Nothing visible from above. FWIW, this a 2009 with ~185K and the basic OME lift from Slee.

 

[Sandroad]

Have you checked the power steering fluid level? Your description of the stuff matches the golden colored OEM fluid and like @tbisaacs mentioned, the PS cooler is in the vicinity. Given the age and miles, you could have a leaky line or connection or cooler.

 

[KLF]

Headlight washer. Mine did the same thing. I seem to remember I was able to repair it without have to replace it. There's a thread here somewhere with photos and instructions from @bloc

 

[bloc]

That would be washer fluid color and the consistency of water. I wouldn’t expect a dark stain.

Check the corrugated boot of the KDSS cylinder.. should be easy to see with a flashlight through the front drivers side wheel well.

 

[canyonrider]

Thanks for the ideas. Power steering fluid looks good, KDSS cylinder looks good. Agree that the substance was definitely not washer fluid, so I think it's unlikely a washer leak. Whatever it was seems to have stopped dripping, going to keep an eye on it to see if it happens again.

 

[gasman4u]

If it is the PSF, open the cap to ensure it's not just stained at the "high" line on the exterior of the reservoir. Without knowing the age/mileage I don't know if this is something to be considered or if you already visually verified the fluid itself. My guess is that you'd hear all sorts of unhappy noise if your PS rack didn't have fluid though.

 

[DallasTide]

Have you tasted it?

 

[gasman4u]

Have you tasted it?

this is one of the best ways to tell if it's past time to change it.