Mysterious Leak?

[PCA4208]

So this morning I come out and there's a puddle under the front left corner of the truck, kinda behind the tire. When I put my finger in it, it wasn't oil, coolant, or transmission fluid. It was clear, yet sticky somehow, but didn't have the coolant smell to it.

Does anyone know what it could be? Brake fluid and PS fluids are all fine. It seems to only drip in the mornings.

 

[LB3711]

if its a spot on the ground. Follow it up. It has to leak on the truck somewhere. It will be easier to trace

 

[Casper]

Diagnosis from over the inter-web is kinda tough.
Check your fluid levels, at least coolant and wiper fluid since you say it isn't oily.

Look above the puddle. Pop the hood or open the door and look for a liquid track. If no luck, lay down some plastic after you park it this evening as see what the actual characteristics of the liquid are tomorrow morning.

 

[chedched]

Brake fluid. My guess...

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Front left could be steering fluid.

 

[PCA4208]

When I looked under it was dripping from somewhere above the lower control arm. The area towards the rear bushing was dripping. I don't think it was brake fluid because it didn't smell like it. It might be the steering rack leaking. I'll have to check later tonight though because I'm at school.

 

[PCA4208]

Front left could be steering fluid.

It's front right.. Sorry if I said left.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

It's front right.. Sorry if I said left.

OOPS. Front right could be 2 things from that side: Washer Fluid or Radiator Fluid. You said it was a bit sticky. That leads me to believe washer fluid. I recently found out (after having to replace the washer resiviour) that Rain-X when used with the stuff that Dodge uses will turn into a gel. Kinda sounds like that seeing as it is from the right side. As others have said leaks are very hard to pin down unless they are squirting you in the face.

 

[PCA4208]

Ok well it's coolant. I guess when I put the heater bypass valve in one of the hoses was a bit loose on the barb end. I could tell by the pink dry fluid spots on my frame. So I guess either tighten the hose clamp to hell, or put a price of patch pipe in instead of the valve.

All that's down is some coolant, which it hasn't drained my reservoir yet. So I'll get some after football practice. Zerex something right?

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Leaks around the tires can be difficult to diagnose unless you see a passing dog.....

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Leaks around the tires can be difficult to diagnose unless you see a passing dog.....

Stupid dogs like to create havoc for us don't they?

 

[PCA4208]

A dog? Haha but I do have dogs that have caused 3k worth of damage to a car before. Mostly ripping off plastic to get to a squirrel in the engine.

But today I tightened down the hose clamp like crazy and filled the reservoir wott fluid. I couldn't find the zerex g-05 so I just got some gm style Prestone coolant. It's orange so I guess it's the same.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Lets hope that fixed the problem. And we all hoe that the mutts of the world stay away from our pride and joy.

 

[PCA4208]

Well there wasn't a puddle this morning like before. So I think it worked. Thank god.