Pics Attached! 2000 LX470 Leaking Fluid under pass side suspension. Pink Red Fluid, any ideas?

[flashes23]

Noticed that there is some fluid leaking on the passenger side front suspension. Fluid appears to be a reddish pink and appears oily to the touch. All fluids recently changed at mechanic less than 6mo ago (transmission, diff, radiator, etc.) Also had an oil change in Oct and the mechanic did not mention any fluid leaking. Any ideas on what it could be? We recently moved from AZ to Oregon, and temps are in the 28-50degrees right now. So its getting quite cold now. First time the car has been in temp this cold.
I have attached some images.

 

[KraziAzn]

power steering fluid maybe? or coolant? I have a similar leak in that area and its power steering. Doesn't leak as much as yours though.

 

[flashes23]

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[TheForger]

Inspect the power steering reservoir itself, plus all the rubber tubes, clamps, and fittings to see if you see if you can locate the source of the leakage.

 

[jimmc1331]

I had a similar leak earlier this year, replaced power steering hoses and eventually the steering rack. One hose was bad and then the rack started having issues, put a re-manufactured one in from Toyota. Don't panic my LC has 300K on the clock. It has been a great vehicle!

 

[Quick]

I had a similar leak and turned out to be the PS hose clamps, both at the bottom and at the top. I also had the front passenger shock leakjing as well, ended up replacing both front.

 

[2001LC]

Check fluids, which is low?

That much suddenly is often power steering pump.

Note: Do not add any stop leaks.

 

[flashes23]

The steering rack was recently changed as well, I'm hoping its just a hose or clamp. I own 2 LX470. I recently changed all fluids on both. I compared with the other vehicle and both the power steering and suspension fluid are lower on this leaking one. It appears that the suspension fluid is below the "min" line.

 

[flashes23]

It appears to be coming from this hose

 

[MountaineerLC]

Mine was leaking in the same was recently. Turned out the old hoses on the power steering reservoir were worn out and allowing PS fluid to weep down them then drip from there.

 

[DTCsk8er]

That is a brake hose.. definitely not filled with ATF. Power steering res is right above that area. Open your hood and look at the area from above.

 

[2001LC]

The steering rack was recently changed as well, I'm hoping its just a hose or clamp. I own 2 LX470. I recently changed all fluids on both. I compared with the other vehicle and both the power steering and suspension fluid are lower on this leaking one. It appears that the suspension fluid is below the "min" line.

I'd check hoses and clamps, clean up all oil, top fluids and watch closely.

 

[TLCJC]

At 204,000 miles, my 1999 LX470 power steering fluid container box had a crack in it and kit with lines needed to be replaced. Slowly dripping out until the crack got bigger and all drained. happened when temp changes started to drop below 40 deg in Virginia.

$500 repair at a dealership.

 

[TLCJC]

Regarding your AHC fluid being below the MIN line, when was the last time you had it flushed and changed?

Is it black and dirty?

If so, it’s bad.

That crap is expensive and so is the changing by a top Toyota Mechanic FYI. But you need to get it done every 60,000 miles or so.

Even this doesn’t stop the lines from starting to burst after 200,000 miles.

Sock away $2,000+ in reserve money to have the LX470 AHC disconnected entirely and replaced with OME suspension kit shocks and springs.

 

[mallard75]

Just had this issue. The power steering fluid is yellow. Or should be. That’s definitely coolant. I had a small leak on the upper radiator hose due to loose clamp. Had to really torque it.

Do you have an intermittent belt squeal? That accompanied my issue. Coolantvwould drip on the belt. Check radiator hose clamps. Probably only leaks when the vehicle reaches operating temps.

 

[Rolocado]

Just had this issue. The power steering fluid is yellow. Or should be. That’s definitely coolant. I had a small leak on the upper radiator hose due to loose clamp. Had to really torque it.

Do you have an intermittent belt squeal? That accompanied my issue. Coolantvwould drip on the belt. Check radiator hose clamps. Probably only leaks when the vehicle reaches operating temps.

What fluid are you using that’s yellow?

 

[I Lean]

At 204,000 miles, my 1999 LX470 power steering fluid container box had a crack in it and kit with lines needed to be replaced. Slowly dripping out until the crack got bigger and all drained. happened when temp changes started to drop below 40 deg in Virginia.

$500 repair at a dealership.

I also had a cracked reservoir (due to a wreck though). Pretty straightforward replacement, and can be had for cheap: Power steering reservoir interchange

 

[lowenbrau]

Just had this issue. The power steering fluid is yellow. Or should be. That’s definitely coolant. I had a small leak on the upper radiator hose due to loose clamp. Had to really torque it.

IMO Dextron should never be never yellow. Coolant can be, though.

 

[2001LC]

Just had this issue. The power steering fluid is yellow. Or should be. That’s definitely coolant. I had a small leak on the upper radiator hose due to loose clamp. Had to really torque it.

Do you have an intermittent belt squeal? That accompanied my issue. Coolantvwould drip on the belt. Check radiator hose clamps. Probably only leaks when the vehicle reaches operating temps.

If you used Power Steering fluid, flush it out. Keep in mind; Toyota uses ATF in power steering not power steering fluid.
Steering Flush & Cleaning
See more tips under "Steering" in: Buying, PM & Advance Maintenance of 100 series.

All the ATF dex II, III or VI from Mobil 1 or Toyota or Toyota WS ATF (all are Exxon products) I've used were/are red out of the bottle (new).

Toyota does not use screw clamps on coolant hoses. If you "Had to really torque it" they not OEM. It's a slipper slope we travel when OEM parts not used. Often a screw clamp is used to slow or stop a leak. Leak may be age related of old hoses or because none OEM parts used.

Toyota Coolant is either red (LL) or pink (SLL) is not oily and has a sweet smell.

What fluid are you using that’s yellow?

Good question!

 

[TLCJC]

Yellow? Mine was red for power steering OEM fluid.