Just Got a Truck...and a leak! Help!

[CrispySmurf]

Hi Gentlemen,
Ive been lurking around here for a while. I was able to secure a truck over the weekend. Which I am so pumped up about. I flew up to Toledo,OH to buy it, and drove it back to the Charlotte area yesterday. However, I noticed there was some fluid on the driver side of the truck this morning. Under further investigation it seems like it is coming from a boot (possibly) inside of the front driver's side wheel.

Considering I just dumped a "truck load" of money (to me) to get this truck, I wanted to see if any of you could help me identify the issue so I can try to cut cost.

Below are the pictures I took form where I believe the leak is coming from.

Any and all help is very much appreciated!

Specs: 2013 Ram 1500 4X4 Crew Cab Sport 5.7 Hemi
Mileage: 78,000
Pics: Front Driver Side Wheel Well.

-Crispy

 

[gypsy400]

It 'might ' be a loose clamp on the CV boot ..
Wash it off good and keep an eye on it.

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[SETEX 6.4]

The boot shouldn't be leaking oil though right? I mean I know the CV joints have grease in them but no oil. I suppose some oil from the grease could form but not enough to leave a spots all over the drivers door I wouldn't think.
Have you determined what kind of oil/grease it is?
Gear oil, transmission oil, engine oil?

2014 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4 Hemi 4:10 Gears Ram Boxes 35x12.50R18 on Factory Wheels
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[CrispySmurf]

I have not determined what kind of fluid/ oil it is. From the small quantities I have seen it could be anything, motor oil, gear oil, or brake fluid mixed with "grout". That is the only place I have really seen the fluid. I did notice some black grout near the drivers side head, but I think if it was a blown head gasket there would be other symptoms I would be seeing. I'm going to dig into it a little more tomorrow.

 

[SETEX 6.4]

Keep us posted.

2014 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4 Hemi 4:10 Gears Ram Boxes 35x12.50R18 on Factory Wheels
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[TMyers]

Clean the truck up, really good. I'm betting you ran through some oil on the road during your trip home. That's the only way I'm seeing it thrown up the door that way.

 

[emjohn4]

The stuff on the door is likely tire dressing that has 'flung' off the wheel during driving. This happens to me if I put it on too thick.

However, the leak / wetness is likely not the CV joint...but from above it. Above it is the power steering tank, and further back, the brake booster & master cylinder. Either of those, if leaking, would drip and land on the areas you indicate.

 

[CrispySmurf]

I got back under it this evening, because I cant get it off of my mind. Underneath the truck at the front looking to the rear you can see fluid all the way down the frame and all over the gas tank. It is a clear fluid so I'm thinking power steering or brake fluid. I checked the master cylinder and it looks pretty much new, no leaks. I'm thinking potentially power steering is leaking from some where. I'll get back under there wish a flashlight and post some pics in just a minute. They may not come out well, but I'll still post something to see if anyone can see something that I'm not.

 

[SETEX 6.4]

Try to see if it's red fluid.
The Transmission and power steering system both use ATF which is red.
From what you are describing I would check your power steering return lines.

2014 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4 Hemi 4:10 Gears Ram Boxes 35x12.50R18 on Factory Wheels
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[CrispySmurf]

I tried to snap some pics with a flashlight. I found another area under the center front of the truck as well. Not sure what the black plastic piece is, but possibly tied to power steering. Some of the pictures really show the level of fluid that has been thrown around the under carriage. Hate to sound dumb, but if any of you can see anything please point it out! I know the photos really aren't that great.
I'll try to take some more tomorrow, or if nothing else, provide an update.

Thanks for all the help, guys!

 

[CrispySmurf]

So far, the fluid seems clear, but I'll double check to see if it has a red tint in the morning.

 

[rwhjr]

Something tells me the previous owner maybe knows. You should call and have a serious conversation with him and ask him what he might know?

 

[SETEX 6.4]

I'm at a loss. Check out the rack and pinion and see if it's leaking out the drivers side into the boot then leaking from there.
Hopefully it's not brake fluid leaking all over your painted surfaces.

2014 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4 Hemi 4:10 Gears Ram Boxes 35x12.50R18 on Factory Wheels
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[gofishn]

Clean teh truck. Get everything off it, underneath, everywhere.
let it sit until it is compeltely dry, then take it for a spin, on clean highways. drive it for a bit, get out and inspect.

This stuff could be from months ago and is the reason teh truck was blasted, by previous owner, and has since been fixed by selling dealer. insteado of gur=essing what were when, make sure it is a porblem which still exists.

then chase it down, if it does still occur.

 

[13ram1500crew]

Do as "gofishn" suggested above, in order to see the leak, you need to go through a touch-less car wash with an under body blaster. Clean up as much as you can at home with rags, then at the car wash, spray some de-greaser on all the grime, let it sit for a few min, then go through the wash. Then after a day of driving you should see if anything is seeping out. I have a feeling that most of the grime seen in your second set of pics is from a previous oil change, the oil filter will drip all over the area that you have in the pics including that front axle disconnect module you show in a couple of the pics.

 

[Addicted2fishing]

I had similar issue. Not as much grease as you but it was a blown shock


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[David H]

A pin hole or small crack in a brake line will spray fluid all over the place when the pedal is depressed. Doesn't take much fluid to spread all over the place at highway speeds.
After the degrease and underbody wash, get someone to apply brakes while you're under the truck. While you're there, have them turn the wheel in both directions. Do this with the truck running of course.
If you do have a leak it sounds dynamic, not static so you need an assistant.

 

[gypsy400]

A pin hole or small crack in a brake line will spray fluid all over the place when the pedal is depressed. Doesn't take much fluid to spread all over the place at highway speeds.
After the degrease and underbody wash, get someone to apply brakes while you're under the truck. While you're there, have them turn the wheel in both directions. Do this with the truck running of course.
If you do have a leak it sounds dynamic, not static so you need an assistant.

If you have a brake fluid leak you will most certainly feel it in the brake pedal.

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[CrispySmurf]

Got her all cleaned up. I'm going to drive it a day or two to see if the leak reveals itself.

 

[SETEX 6.4]

Nice looking truck man.

2014 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4 Hemi 4:10 Gears Ram Boxes 35x12.50R18 on Factory Wheels
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