Fluid leak front driver's side wheel well

[csedman]

I am perplexed by this leak. I have an 03 two wheel drive with the V8 with 221,000 miles on it. My wheel well is saturated with some kind of fluid yet there is nothing on the tire and I can't find evidence of anything leaking anywhere else. My fluid levels are all ok so far. I can't detect any odor from the fluid.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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[AuSeeker]

My first guess would be brake fluid, but only you would be able to determine that, is the fluid oily?

Is there any of the fluid on any of the brake lines/hoses, you could have a tiny hole in either a metal line or rubber hose that would spray brake fluid up into the wheel well and not lose a lot of fluid very quickly, is your brake pedal a little spongy ?

Have someone press the brake pedal while you look at the brake line/hoses for any leaks, be careful not to get a eye full of fluid if one is indeed leaking and spraying the fluid.

 

[ArthurKotb]

I had a 91 Camry that leaked power steering fluid, dripping from a hose and getting sprayed by the radiator fans. I didn't see anything around the pump and the level didn't seem to be dropping. A little tranny fluid being sprayed goes a long way. Like AuSeeker's suggestion, check the hoses for oily areas. If you find them, wipe them clean then drive around and check them again for leaks.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Which wheel well, driver or passenger side? And a pic is always helpful.

 

[AuSeeker]

Which wheel well, driver or passenger side? And a pic is always helpful.

It's mentioned in the topic title....driver's side.....yes I agree....photos would be helpful!

 

[Bluesky 07]

It's mentioned in the topic title....driver's side.....yes I agree....photos would be helpful!

:doh:

 

[sport2004]

Could it be an X-REAS leak?

 

[1medic]

Pic, color and smell of the fluid?

 

[csedman]

Checked all my hoses that I can see but don't see anything. Fluid feels oily but less viscous than motor oil but more than brake fluid. Can't detect any odor but it's allergy season, I can't smell anything. The color is a bit darker than motor oil. Brakes feel fine, firm pedal with little travel. Brake pads replaced approx 5000 miles ago. Replaced power steering return hose two months ago. No oily fluid on it.

Oddly I noticed there is also fluid in the rear driver's side wheel well. Not as much though.

Just a side note a couple of years ago mice got into my in-cabin air filter compartment. Didn't find any evidence of them chewing on wires, hoses or anything else. The only evidence they left was droppings, and they brought their own blankie and dinner (ketchup packets) that were in the filter when I removed it. I have since then placed rodent repellent in the engine compartment and in the rear storage compartments.

Can't get pics until tomorrow. Will also put it up on jacks to get a better look.

Will keep looking. Thanks

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[ArthurKotb]

Since it's on the left side, both wheel wells, I would suspect maybe it's something you drove through? Is it fresh all the time? I mean, can you see evidence that something is continuing to leak into this area? The only thing I can see that is common to both, like Sport2004 says, is the X-REAS shocks, but that would mean 2 leaks; unusual.

 

[rdruss]

Not sure how 2WD power steer plumbing is routed, but on my '03 AWD a pipe runs along top of frame on drivers side right behind front wheel and mine rotted/wore through couple years ago and it is slow and messy at first. Check yours out.

 

[StonePA]

I've got fluid leak (power steering) as well and couldn't figure out why it was all over the place. didn't think about the radiator fan blowing it all over. I'd suggest taking at look at the power steering lines. Here's where my leak was. just tracked the lines until I found fluid everywhere inferior to that location.

 

[StonePA]

any input for a similar issue?

2008 4 runner with 150K miles, michigan/rust. keep having issues with power steering fluid disappearing. this looks like source of leak. its all over this side of the vehicle presumably from radiator fan. agree that this looks like a potential source? anybody have any experience replacing any of these lines?

 

[rdruss]

If you have good solid line on either side of the rot, cut rotted portion out and put in hydraulic/power steering hose from NAPA and hose clamp it. Did mine and it's held two years now.

 

[StonePA]

If you have good solid line on either side of the rot, cut rotted portion out and put in hydraulic/power steering hose from NAPA and hose clamp it. Did mine and it's held two years now.

Appreciate that idea. Complete newbie here. any suggestions on what to use to cut the line? Sawzall with a fine blade? assume I have to bleed the fluid in there now out somehow.

 

[Bluesky 07]

[MENTION=741282]StonePA[/MENTION] - search on YouTube, there's at least one how-to on replacing 4th Gen 4Runner PS lines.

 

[MikeinNH67]

If you have good solid line on either side of the rot, cut rotted portion out and put in hydraulic/power steering hose from NAPA and hose clamp it. Did mine and it's held two years now.

I did the same on mine. Simple enough and fine after a few years.

Appreciate that idea. Complete newbie here. any suggestions on what to use to cut the line? Sawzall with a fine blade? assume I have to bleed the fluid in there now out somehow.

Sawzall will make a mess. Simple hacksaw or a dremel with a cutting disk works. Also can use a plumbing pipe cutter. The system self bleeds by turning the wheel lock to lock assuming you keep the reservoir full.

 

[StonePA]

Cut the rusted section out and replaced with 3/8 tubing. Turned wheel back and forth several times with engine off. Then with engine on. These is air in the fluid…turned milky brown with bubbles. Suggestions?

 

[JBR14]

Generally means air is in the line. But, that is milkier than normal. I would flush it and check it on a frequent basis for the first 100 miles or so.