Unknown fluid leak on '06 4Runner

[MichaelN]

I noticed a fluid leak on my '06 4Runner while it was parked in the driveway this afternoon. I'm hoping someone here will be able to help me identify what the fluid is and what could be causing the leak. The leak is coming from somewhere near the front, right wheel and has a brown-ish color. I have attached a couple of photos that show what I'm seeing.

Thanks in advance to any help you can give me!

Michael

 

[scottydoo79]

It's probably the frost melting off the ac components. Don't worry about it it's normal.

 

[TRDCal]

Taste it...if its coolant it'll be sweet. Fuel doesn't require tasting because it has a strong smell. Oil doesn't have a much of a taste but you usually can rub it between you fingers and tell. AC condensation is water do it doesn't have a taste either but it's distinguishable from oil.

 

[zopperman]

Taste it...if its coolant it'll be sweet. Fuel doesn't require tasting because it has a strong smell. Oil doesn't have a much of a taste but you usually can rub it between you fingers and tell. AC condensation is water do it doesn't have a taste either but it's distinguishable from oil.

Does power steering fluid taste like soda...?

 

[banzaj]

What a stupid yet widespread recommendation! Don't ever try to taste antefreeze!!! It's based on ethylenglycol, which is toxis to humans and environment. It can get inside through skin, so wash your hands with soap thoroughly after contact. Not much harm from vapors though. As for the lethal dose if swallowing - 3 to 10 ounces. It destroys kidneys and liver. Other tech liquids are bad too even if sweet.

 

[zopperman]

What a stupid yet widespread recommendation! Don't ever try to taste antefreeze!!! It's based on ethylenglycol, which is toxis to humans and environment. It can get inside through skin, so wash your hands with soap thoroughly after contact. Not much harm from vapors though. As for the lethal dose if swallowing - 3 to 10 ounces. It destroys kidneys and liver. Other tech liquids are bad too even if sweet.

I usually flavor my water with engine oil.

 

[JB.]

What a stupid yet widespread recommendation! Don't ever try to taste antefreeze!!! It's based on ethylenglycol, which is toxis to humans and environment. It can get inside through skin, so wash your hands with soap thoroughly after contact. Not much harm from vapors though. As for the lethal dose if swallowing - 3 to 10 ounces. It destroys kidneys and liver. Other tech liquids are bad too even if sweet.

Let's see. A taste could be accomplished by a fraction of a single drop.

Ever heard the phrase, the dose makes the poison?

It's an extremely handy little maxim that helps give perspective any time a health danger is hyped.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I usually flavor my water with engine oil.

I find a little ATF adds some zest to a sandwhich...:nod:

Let's see. A taste could be accomplished by a fraction of a single drop.

Ever heard the phrase, the dose makes the poison?

It's an extremely handy little maxim that helps give perspective any time a health danger is hyped.

No one is saying drink the antrifreeze, a drop or two isn't going to kill you and will sufice as the cheapest/simplest way to closely identify the fluid type. Otherwise the OP can collect the fluid (hopefully collecting enough) then send it out for a spectrograph analysis to find out what its made of.

Now, I don't recommend tasting the fluids (they tend to leave a nasty after taste anyway...) but sometimes its just the easiest thing to do. Its just something mechanics do and have done for decades and most of them are okay, its the brake pads and clutch material that's killin' the old guys!

 

[TRDCal]

Does power steering fluid taste like soda...?

Not sure but if I ever have a PS leak I'll let you know

As for the lethal dose if swallowing - 3 to 10 ounces. It destroys kidneys and liver. Other tech liquids are bad too even if sweet.

Easy tiger, I'm not saying take a shot of the stuff LOL. Plus a little drop of antifreeze can't be any worse on my liver that a good night at the bar.

No one is saying drink the antrifreeze, a drop or two isn't going to kill you and will sufice as the cheapest/simplest way to closely identify the fluid type. Otherwise the OP can collect the fluid (hopefully collecting enough) then send it out for a spectrograph analysis to find out what its made of.

Exactly...well put.

 

[zopperman]

Not sure but if I ever have a PS leak I'll let you know



Easy tiger, I'm not saying take a shot of the stuff LOL. Plus a little drop of antifreeze can't be any worse on my liver that a good night at the bar.




Exactly...well put.

THIS SOUP TASTES LIKE CRAP!

 

[LobstaMobsta]

Looks like XREAS hydraulic fluid leak

 

[banzaj]

 

[banzaj]

THIS SOUP TASTES LIKE CRAP!

Yeah, it's from underneath the truck.

 

[TRDCal]

Looks like XREAS hydraulic fluid leak

ooh I wonder what that taste like