Strange fluid leak
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
Strange fluid leak
Hey, I walked outside to take the trash out this morning, and noticed that there is a 3 inch wet spot under the truck and some time of oil running down of the center bracket for the sterring stabilizer. the fluid is yellow...
I haven't driven it in a few days and temps have been fluctuating pretty significantly.
I was trying to think of any kind of fluid that is yellow?
Thoughts?
I haven't driven it in a few days and temps have been fluctuating pretty significantly.
I was trying to think of any kind of fluid that is yellow?
Thoughts?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
thats what I though initially, and I changed my fuel filter about 2000 miles ago with no issues. It has no diesel smell, and drips like an oil more than a fuel (even though they are both oil)...
I don't think its fuel... I have this feeling that driving it will resolve the issue
but I should probably figure out what it is.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
Anit freeze? If you have the gold stuff??? I don't know I'm just guessing
I would check the fuel filter cap to make sure it's tight and check the drain tube for the bowl to make sure the o-rings haven't let go?
....Tom
I would check the fuel filter cap to make sure it's tight and check the drain tube for the bowl to make sure the o-rings haven't let go?
....Tom
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
I'll check that to be 100% sure its not fuel, i noticed a drip hanging off the steering stabilizer bracket in the picture and it was a bright yellow... no strong smell just the faint smell of oil...
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
The fluid is from the stabilizer itself. It's yellow.
When I flushed my hydraulic system last year, I jacked up the front end of the truck to make it easier for my wife to turn the steering lock-to-lock while pumping out ATF and pouring in new with the engine running.
After repeatedly exercising the steering travel fully many times in rapid succession, I too discovered a yellow fluid directly under the steering dampener. Too much exercise, too rapidly, in too short a time, caused fluid to leak past the piston seals.
Since only a small amount leaked, I haven't noticed any difference in dampening performance, so I have not changed the unit.
Yours is likely leaking from a different reason, like old age of the seals or a nick in the piston.
Pop
When I flushed my hydraulic system last year, I jacked up the front end of the truck to make it easier for my wife to turn the steering lock-to-lock while pumping out ATF and pouring in new with the engine running.
After repeatedly exercising the steering travel fully many times in rapid succession, I too discovered a yellow fluid directly under the steering dampener. Too much exercise, too rapidly, in too short a time, caused fluid to leak past the piston seals.
Since only a small amount leaked, I haven't noticed any difference in dampening performance, so I have not changed the unit.
Yours is likely leaking from a different reason, like old age of the seals or a nick in the piston.
Pop
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
The fluid is from the stabilizer itself. It's yellow.
When I flushed my hydraulic system last year, I jacked up the front end of the truck to make it easier for my wife to turn the steering lock-to-lock while pumping out ATF and pouring in new with the engine running.
After repeatedly exercising the steering travel fully many times in rapid succession, I too discovered a yellow fluid directly under the steering dampener. Too much exercise, too rapidly, in too short a time, caused fluid to leak past the piston seals.
Since only a small amount leaked, I haven't noticed any difference in dampening performance, so I have not changed the unit.
Pop
When I flushed my hydraulic system last year, I jacked up the front end of the truck to make it easier for my wife to turn the steering lock-to-lock while pumping out ATF and pouring in new with the engine running.
After repeatedly exercising the steering travel fully many times in rapid succession, I too discovered a yellow fluid directly under the steering dampener. Too much exercise, too rapidly, in too short a time, caused fluid to leak past the piston seals.
Since only a small amount leaked, I haven't noticed any difference in dampening performance, so I have not changed the unit.
Pop
Is there another dampner besides the stabilizer, because that isn't even on the truck. I bought a spare to keep with me and tried just not running one. So I don't have a stailizer to leak...
Trending Topics
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
That is my vote. Got the same leak on mine. Just waiting for my lpop to get here so I can kill a few leaks with one project.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
Pop
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
So I should just look behind the main fan behind the radiator? I am more IT geared than mechanics. I am guessing there should be oil on the module that spins the large fan?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
Look from underneath. You should be able to reach up to the fan and see if there is oil on the flange under the clutch in the center of the fan.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
Ok, so i know this is an old thread, but the leak stopped.
But last night i change to Full syn 5w40 and was checking for leaks, well i found one, but not oil.
It is Antifreeze out of the same location as the original post. Here are pics of where it is coming from.
The question: What the hell is that, why is it intermittent, and how do i fix it.
But last night i change to Full syn 5w40 and was checking for leaks, well i found one, but not oil.
It is Antifreeze out of the same location as the original post. Here are pics of where it is coming from.
The question: What the hell is that, why is it intermittent, and how do i fix it.