What liquid is this?

[Zanimal]

Hi All,

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but does anyone have insight as to what this fluid that's leaking from my left lower control arm could be?

I thought it was coming from my steering rack which was just replaced a week ago. It seemed like the leaking stopped after the replacement, but then started again. My front icons are leaking also but I don't think that's what it is.

I'll be taking it back in, but I'm curious if anyone else can provide insight.

I've attached images

Thank you!

 

[rockyjco]

Hi All,

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but does anyone have insight as to what this fluid that's leaking from my left lower control arm could be?

I thought it was coming from my steering rack which was just replaced a week ago. It seemed like the leaking stopped after the replacement, but then started again. My front icons are leaking also but I don't think that's what it is.

I'll be taking it back in, but I'm curious if anyone else can provide insight.

I've attached images

Thank you!

View attachment 3826632

View attachment 3826633

Your CV boot looks pretty wet. Any liquid on the shaft leading to the boot? Power steering fluid should be red in color. I'm guessing a seal leak from your front diff or a tear in the boot, but just a guess.

 

[Zanimal]

Your CV boot looks pretty wet. Any liquid on the shaft leading to the boot? Power steering fluid should be red in color. I'm guessing a seal leak from your front diff or a tear in the boot, but just a guess.

Thanks for the response!

The CV axles are about a year old and I checked the boot and didn't notice any leakage.

 

[Stonefoot72]

Your CV boot looks pretty wet. Any liquid on the shaft leading to the boot? Power steering fluid should be red in color. I'm guessing a seal leak from your front diff or a tear in the boot, but just a guess.

Be careful friend, it looks like brake fluid to me.

What platform is that? Is that a KDSS rig ? I don't recognize that as a 120 front end but I'm unfamiliar with KDSS.

 

[Zanimal]

Be careful friend, it looks like brake fluid to me.

What platform is that? Is that a KDSS rig ? I don't recognize that as a 120 front end but I'm unfamiliar with KDSS.

It's the 120 platform with KDSS.

I recently had new brake pads put on. It was dripping before they were replaced.

 

[Zanimal]

Be careful friend, it looks like brake fluid to me.

What platform is that? Is that a KDSS rig ? I don't recognize that as a 120 front end but I'm unfamiliar with KDSS.

I think you might be right

 

[Rednexus]

Agreed, that looks like brake fluid. Could be a leaking hose or caliper seal. I'd pull the wheel and inspect the area carefully.

 

[Zanimal]

Agreed, that looks like brake fluid. Could be a leaking hose or caliper seal. I'd pull the wheel and inspect the area carefully.

What's odd is that the brake fluid reservoir is full.

There is a slight squishy feel while braking, but I thought it was the new Akebono pads. I've only used OEM until this time.

 

[DodgeH8TER]

easy way to check if it’s brake fluid is to take some of the fluid and dab it on something you don’t care about with paint on it. If the paint peels and flakes away in a couple hours than it’s brake fluid.

 

[Zanimal]

easy way to check if it’s brake fluid is to take some of the fluid and dab it on something you don’t care about with paint on it. If the paint peels and flakes away in a couple hours than it’s brake fluid.

Thanks! I'll try that

 

[Rednexus]

What's odd is that the brake fluid reservoir is full.

There is a slight squishy feel while braking, but I thought it was the new Akebono pads. I've only used OEM until this time.

If it's just a tiny seep and pretty recent it won't drop the level very much. The GX has a huge reservoir.

You can certainly see if it peels paint (it might peel cheap spray paint, but it won't affect "real" paint), but I'd pull the wheel and inspect it either way.

If it's not brake fluid my money is a power steering fluid leak. But, PS fluid is usually red or brown. Not clear-ish.

 

[DodgeH8TER]

If it's just a tiny seep and pretty recent it won't drop the level very much. The GX has a huge reservoir.

You can certainly see if it peels paint (it might peel cheap spray paint, but it won't affect "real" paint), but I'd pull the wheel and inspect it either way.

If it's not brake fluid my money is a power steering fluid leak. But, PS fluid is usually red or brown. Not clear-ish.

Yeah that’s what my bet would be on. Because yeah PS is just ATF and same thing with Shock fluid. Brake fluid will give your fingers a weird feeling and has a weird kinda sweetish smell to it

 

[Zanimal]

I hope it's not the power Steering, I just had the steering rack replaced.

It could be my shock fluid, because the fronts are leaking. Icon 2.5's.

I'm going to do a smell test.

Thanks for the all of the suggestions!

 

[Zanimal]

Reporting back that the leak was indeed coming from my shocks. I just had them switched out for a fresh rebuilt pair. Didn't realize how bad the ride had gotten.

If anyone is looking for a great shop, I recommend RS Automotive Works, in Simi Valley. Richard is a great guy and very knowledgable.