While juggling 3 vehicles in and out of the driveway, it became apparent that one was leaking something. I've finally tied the leak to my Tundra. It looks like oil on the concrete, but is actually a clear liquid. I think it's brake fluid. I added some to the reservoir a few months ago, because it looked low. It is still between the high and low marks, but not full. I thought it was just an oil spill from my last oil change....as there appeared to be oil on the suspension components that sit below the filler cap on the driver's side of the engine. But today I found a new puddle, and that's when I discovered that the liquid was clear. I've looked all over the engine bay from top and bottom, and was never able ot find anything that looked like a leak. But now I'm thinking the brake lines might be leaking somewhere. There is still an oily coating on the A arm and the entire front left wheel suspension area. Are there any particular places I should look? I need a brake job anyhow...and am considering just having the dealer look at it and finding the leak. Any suggestions?
Your A/C will also put out clear fluid (water).
There is a sure way to find out if it's brake fluid or water. Taste it if you dare! Brake fluid will have a terrible taste and repeated spitting will be nessesary.
At less than 3 years into life, my Tundra developed a leak at the water pump. It was so very small, and showed up as a few drips on the front of engine, making a little puddle each few days.
Not sure what color your 2000 coolant is. I have a reddish coolant now - from Toyota service dept.
If its water it will dry, if its greasy it will sit there, of course. FYI, my 1994 tercel developed a leaky water pump with about 40K miles around 1998. It was replaced under the drivetrain warranty, no charge.
It's definately not water or coolant. It's clear and oily.....the only thing under the hood like that is brake fluid. I've searched the engine block from top to bottom, it's completely dry. The only places with any residue are the left front tire's suspension area....which is just under the oil filler cap. That's why I thought the tech must have been sloppy and spilled oil during the last oil change. I'm convinced that either the brake fluid reservoir "burped" or there is a leak somewhere in brake system, as it all originates behind the left fender.
The power steering fluid on the Tundra is clear from the factory so your steering rack might be leaking (but that should be obvious)
Also the tansfer case / diff vent tubes are on the left side of the engine bay. I know they can burp fluid under heavy loads. They are black hoses with metal caps and are side by side. You can't miss them.
Hope that helps.
check to see the area in which it is comming from if it is from the rear it could be rear axle seal or rear wheel cylinder on the brakes. if it is from the front all your fluids will look clear in small amounts so start looking up high on the motor first, cause if it is in puddles gravity will only let it go down. as to tasting it, thats up to you, automotive fluids are usually not very healthy and i cant think of one that does not leave a bad after taste.
First wipe down the area(s) that are suspect of leaking, then tie short strips of cloth around joints, connections, and such. It would be easier if someone helped you out with this part of the check---have someone start the vehicle then apply the brakes full force for approximately 5 times, turn off the truck and inspect the brake equipment/hoses. You should have either eliminated the brake system or narrowed down your search. Check the steering with the same technique.
If no leak can be seen, try the plumb-bob location. Park the truck over night in a new position or place a catch tray under the area of leakage. In the morning crawl under the truck with a string with one side weighted, center weight over spill and pull other end to nearest hardpoint, start the tracing from there.
...a large piece of cardboard works great with makana's suggestion. you dont need a buddy to do the brake test, and if there's really a fluid being vented, your buddy wont want to have his head anywhere near compressed toxins.
if it was a breather line burping, the symptom may not return, only traces will remain down the hoses.
check the reservoir for fluid color of the power steering system before bothering to inspect the rack...fwiw, mine has always been red--just the usual atf.
Something's Leaking?
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