Fluid leak. With pics.

[raminal]

2012 1500 with the 4.7. 3 days ago the ABS, Traction, and SVC 4WD lights came on the dash. I read it's likely an ABS sensor. But 2 days ago I felt a slight grinding coming from what I'd call the bottom of the engine. Only happened when first moving and doesn't last. I also noticed a lot of fluid on my driveway. Today the same thing. I can't see where the leak is coming from. The fluid doesn't smell, is dark and dirty but doesn't seem to have a color too it. Doesn't have a smell. Truck drives fine. Might not be related to the dash lights, I don't know.

The first 3 pics are of the spray from the fluid on the belt. The last pic is where I think the leak is coming from but I don't know.

 

[El_conquistador]

I had an oil leak on my 4.7L that dropped in a similar location. Took it in ended up being a front crank seal. It was replaced under my extended warranty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hootbro]

I think you got a couple of different leaks there. Exactly what they are, I have no clue. \

How the coolant level? Maybe a leaking water pump on the collection below the harmonic balancer.

 

[JRG18]

I had an oil leak on my 4.7L that dropped in a similar location. Took it in ended up being a front crank seal. It was replaced under my extended warranty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Crank seal has my vote too. It looks just like what was happening on one of my cars. I also took it in and had it taken care of under warranty. Are you still under the 5 year powertrain or are you over on mileage?

 

[MANual_puller]

2012 1500 with the 4.7. 3 days ago the ABS, Traction, and SVC 4WD lights came on the dash. I read it's likely an ABS sensor. But 2 days ago I felt a slight grinding coming from what I'd call the bottom of the engine. Only happened when first moving and doesn't last. I also noticed a lot of fluid on my driveway. Today the same thing. I can't see where the leak is coming from. The fluid doesn't smell, is dark and dirty but doesn't seem to have a color too it. Doesn't have a smell. Truck drives fine. Might not be related to the dash lights, I don't know.

The first 3 pics are of the spray from the fluid on the belt. The last pic is where I think the leak is coming from but I don't know.

Sounds like a front wheel bearing. ABS sensors plug directly into the bearing and will throw codes when the bearing gets sloppy enough that it hits and breaks it. Check that asap or you will be left stranded.

 

[MANual_puller]

The fluid leak looks like a front crank seal is leaking. That won't leave you stranded if you watch the fluid level. It's just annoying more than anything. Does the leaked fluid feel oily? Color won't help much to identify because it is picking up dust/dirt all the time which changes the color.

 

[Danno]

If you clean the area you maybe able to narrow down the leak.

 

[raminal]

Just an update for people who find this thread and think they have a similar issue. It was the water pump in my case. Thanks everyone.

 

[Numnutz]

2012 1500 with the 4.7. 3 days ago the ABS, Traction, and SVC 4WD lights came on the dash. I read it's likely an ABS sensor. But 2 days ago I felt a slight grinding coming from what I'd call the bottom of the engine. Only happened when first moving and doesn't last. I also noticed a lot of fluid on my driveway. Today the same thing. I can't see where the leak is coming from. The fluid doesn't smell, is dark and dirty but doesn't seem to have a color too it. Doesn't have a smell. Truck drives fine. Might not be related to the dash lights, I don't know.

The first 3 pics are of the spray from the fluid on the belt. The last pic is where I think the leak is coming from but I don't know.

Water pump

 

[savage_46]

The water pumps on the 4.7 & 3.7 were problematic for some time a few years ago. I haven't seen as many fail in last couple years. The front crank seal is also a likely suspect due to the area of spray/slinging. If it is the crank seal, might as well replace the pcv at the same time. When the pcv clogs up or freezes, the crankcase pressure still has to vent itself somehow, & usually starts at the bottom end seals. Before jumping into that, do a pressure test on the cooling system. Also loosen the belt & wiggle the water pump / fan blade. Any slop means the w/p bearings are shot & affecting the sealing.

EDIT: based on the looks of the fluid drip, I'd be leaning towards water pump. Looks like it's Dripping on the cross member & not collecting dirt & dust like oil would.