Uh Oh! What's leaking here in the front? (2004 base)

[Beelzy]

Hello all!
So, I have a '04 base and I have a leak that's hiding in the passenger side wheel well!
You can see in the pic, that there is a dark area from the fluid on the outer part of
wheel well that goes all the way around.
I can't tell if it's coolant (most likely) or oil? Is there an oil line running from the back to the front of the car? I was hoping for some insight before I remove the bumper, so I know what to expect. Thanks for reading

[rexcramer]

No oil lines that far forward. If its oily, then maybe A/C freon leak? Get a finger on it and give it the smell test. I suggest you pull the wheel and remove the fender liner first. That is a fairly easy DIY. Then pull the bumper next.

Also, get the factory PET parts catalog from Suncoast's website. It will have a page with an exploded diagram to help you sort it out. Let us know what you find.

[blue62]

Is your window washer fluid reservoir located on that side?
Do you have headlight washers?
Could it be the heater core leaking?

[BoxsterSteve]

Originally Posted by blue62

Is your window washer fluid reservoir located on that side?
Do you have headlight washers?
Could it be the heater core leaking?

That looks to be the right side of the vehicle.
Washer reservoir resides in the left fender behind the tire.

OP, keep us posted...

[tommy583]

I would think either anti-freeze or brake fluid. There isn't much else on that side beside the EVAP canister.

[Fiddlebog]

There's a joint in the AC system right above there. Could be that.

[Beelzy]

Ok, not having the time yet to pull the fender panel, I have observed the fluid levels the last few days and have discerned that the leak must be AC refrigerant. I haven't turned the heater or ac on week and have seen no more traces of a leak. I plan to remove the panel this weekend to confirm, then I will post my observations.

Thanks to all who replied, this forum and it's members ROCK! 👍

[Tyson87]

Originally Posted by Beelzy

Hello all!
So, I have a '04 base and I have a leak that's hiding in the passenger side wheel well!
You can see in the pic, that there is a dark area from the fluid on the outer part of
wheel well that goes all the way around.
I can't tell if it's coolant (most likely) or oil? Is there an oil line running from the back to the front of the car? I was hoping for some insight before I remove the bumper, so I know what to expect. Thanks for reading

Sooooo, what was the leak from and how did you repair it?

[Beelzy]

Originally Posted by Tyson87

Sooooo, what was the leak from and how did you repair it?

There is a rubber coolant tube behind the front wheel that was periodically leaking at the plastic connector to it.