Leaky suspension, brakes or something else? Wtf

[LT2019]

Just had the van washed, and noticed the rear driveside alloy was covered in flecks of hardened oil or something that wasn’t coming off. I noticed the brownish fluid dripping from around the wheel arches the other day in heavy rain, thought it was rust tbh!

On closer inspection it is only on the drive side of the van, and its also baked on hard near the front wheel arches and surrounding area.

Just uploaded a photo of the brake fluid level, i can’t tell if this is empty or full??

What the hell could this be, any thoughts folks, never seen this before!

 

[Andy’M]

If it is brake fluid you should clean it off the paint work it can damage paint (it looks a funny colour for brake fluid)

 

[TallPaul_S]

Very unlikely to be brake fluid, especially as it's on the outside of your door! Also if it's brake fluid that's set hard then there's something very wrong with that, as you can imagine... DOT4 fluid has a freezing point of about -50 degrees C! However, that brake fluid reservoir looks empty so I'd be checking that ASAP.

The brown fluid that's set hard looks very much like tree sap - has anyone been cutting up logs or fallen trees near your van?

 

[Sasquatch]

Thats something you've driven through and it's spattered up then dribbled down once you've parked up.

But that empty brake fluid reservoir needs urgent attention,

 

[JOG]

Have you been dogging recently? That can give rise brown splatter dribbling! And tree sap, depending on location!

Just a thought on my birthday!!!

 

[Lubrown]

However, that brake fluid reservoir looks empty so I'd be checking that ASAP.

Mine looks like that from the outside- scared the hell out of me first time I checked it. Take the lid off and see where the top of the fluid really is - mine was full, just that the fluid wasn’t showing through the opaque plastic.

I don’t think this is brake fluid or shock oil - as others have said it’s likely something deposited from an external source.

 

[JumpShip]

I'd guess at dog or cat piss dried on .

 

[Paynewright]

Re brake reservoir, try and get a torch behind it, that will show up the fluid level.

 

[CJW]

Tree sap? Parked under any trees recently?

 

[Greybeard]

Have you been dogging recently? That can give rise brown splatter dribbling! And tree sap, depending on location!

Just a thought on my birthday!!!

Experience-gained knowledge?!?

Ooh, and;
!!Happy Birthday!!
!!!!

 

[LT2019]

Thanks for all the ideas, currently have no idea what it is..and definitely haven’t been dogging, that’s on my Christmas list….

I’ll use the torch method to check the brake fluid level. Taking it to a garage tomorrow, and get it on the ramp. This shit is baked on, and all over the rear alloy.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

If it is slightly waxy it may be tomcat spray. Sniff it!

 

[LT2019]

lol this is getting weirder by the post

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I had a pair of speakers in my house ruined by a tomcat spraying - you could see the waxy texture and certainly smell it.

 

[FerrisBFW]

Mine looks like that from the outside- scared the hell out of me first time I checked it. Take the lid off and see where the top of the fluid really is - mine was full, just that the fluid wasn’t showing through the opaque plastic.

I don’t think this is brake fluid or shock oil - as others have said it’s likely something deposited from an external source.

torch on the side

 

[Sasquatch]

If it is slightly waxy it may be tomcat spray. Sniff it!

I think he should taste it to be sure.

 

[Salty Spuds]

I think he should taste it to be sure.

What does it taste like?

 

[Sasquatch]

What does it taste like?

That was going to be my next question!

 

[JOG]

Experience-gained knowledge?!?

Ooh, and;
!!Happy Birthday!!
!!!!

One man's knowledge is another man's experience!!! (Too many men there, eh?!!!)

 

[JOG]

One man's knowledge is another man's experience!!! (Too many men there, eh?!!!)

Edited!