Unknown reddish fluid leak, all levels are OK

[sweetfleet]

I have an 02 4Runner with over 160K miles on it. I've spared no expense in maintenance. I did all the belts and water pump around 90K. Power steering, transmission, front diff fluids have all been replaced in the last few years. The truck has been immensely reliable and never leaked a drop of fluid anywhere since I bought it around 70K.

Recently I got it back from the shop for a wheel balance and oil change and after a couple days it's leaking copious amounts of fluid all over the garage floor. I assumed it was engine oil and immediately took it back to the shop. After much BS they tell me they can replace the power steering rack. I told them not to touch it and brought it home.

It leaked a bunch more for a day or so. The fluid is reddish in color and pretty fresh and clean looking. So either power steering or transmission is my best guess. It's dripping off the protector plate so it's hard to see the exact source other than it must be coming from the main engine bay somewhere.

I checked every level. Transmission fluid looks OK and maybe a bit high. Power steering level still where it should be when cold. Engine, break fluid, everything that I can check looks good, so where did all this fluid come from? The only thing left with any lubricant would be the front diff right?

The leak has since dried up! I drove it around a bit and everything seems normal. Steering is smooth and easy. No abnormal noises when engaging/disengaging 4WD. Transmission shifts fine and sounds normal.

Any ideas as to what might be going on here?

 

[jgue467]

Since it 'dried' up

perhaps they spilled some trans fluid and its been making its way down? I would assume that Only as long as the fluids maintain their levels (the red ones anyway). Luck! :banana:

 

[Merle]

Rusty water?

 

[TheeMikeB]

What does it feel or smell and feel like? Is it thickish/oily like ATF? Check the return line connections from the Transmission to the radiator.

Or is it more watery like coolant? Factory coolant is also reddish/pink. Check the rear heater lines that feed the rear /underseat heater. You are in OH so assuming they salt the roads. It's common for the rear heater lines to rust out. Assuming you haven't adjusted the heat knob could explain why the fluid has dried up. The amount in the line could have completely drained out. You could also test this by warming the car up and then turning the heater knob to warm, if fluid starts to appear then you know this is your issue. You can search on this site for fixes.

Otherwise...

You may need to pull your skids and look yourself. Front Diff wouldn't really be red unless some high tech gear oil was used. Plus gear oil has a very distinct smell.