Fluid near passengers front wheel

[ukrunner]

I did the tundra brake upgrade yesterday and while pulling apart the drivers side, I noticed fluid all over the passengers side axle, strut, wheel well. It was dripping. Figuring this was brake fluid, I went and grabbed a couple of soft lines to replace the original ones. Replaced the brakes on both sides, cleaned up the fluid as best I could and went on with life.

Today at work (my 4Runner is parked out side my office window) I noticed a wet patch forming on the ground from that same general area. I took a look but cant determine where the leak is coming from or what kind of fluid it is. Its definitely an oil based product but it could be brake fluid, shock oil or could it be diff fluid leaking through the seal and in to the cv joint boot and leaking out from there? I haven't got time yet to go outside and pop the hood to check brake fluid level. It seems too thin to be diff oil so I'm suspecting shock fluid, however I've not looked at the fluid in the diff so I have no idea if its thin or not. So my question is; could diff fluid be mistaken for brake fluid or shock oil?

 

[zumogo]

Check the brake fluid reservoir

 

[zumogo]

Never mind reply.. I should of read the whole thing

 

[jeremyc74]

It seems too thin to be diff oil so I'm suspecting shock fluid, however I've not looked at the fluid in the diff so I have no idea if its thin or not. So my question is; could diff fluid be mistaken for brake fluid or shock oil?

I'd smell it. If it's coming out of the diff it will smell like gear oil.

 

[D Farms]

just for reference gear oil smells like rotten chicken grease.

 

[ukrunner]

It's not brake fluid as my reservoir is at the same level. It doesn't smell like gear oil so I guess it has to be shock oil. Kinda verified by comparing both front sides in a bounce test and the side with the fluid bounces. Time for new suspension on all 4 corners anyway.

 

[Brveagle]

Don't rule out your power steering rack leaking...

 

[ukrunner]

Good point, I'll check that out however it looks too clear for that and doesn't smell like ps fluid. Its dry near the rack too, from memory, but I will definitely double check the rack out.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Post a pic of the fluid and one of the undercarriage.

 

[NWMontanaMan]

How big of a wet patch? The A/C evaporator inside the cab creates condensation which drains through a tube onto the ground on the passenger side area you are talking about. But if it's all over inside the wheel well, that may not be it.

 

[ukrunner]

Finally have some pics.













There was enough fluid to pool 4" diameter spots on the ground and for it to be dripping off the frame by the cat. Its no longer pooling on the ground but everything is still wet. Brake fluid level is still the same.
Its clear, thin, doesn't smell like gear oil, ps fluid or brake fluid. Rack is dry at the boots. The only thing left is shock oil.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

I wanted to call you crazy for saying shock oil, but I don't know how else your shock would look so wet. If the PS reservoir is at consistent levels, I guess the shock is your culprit