Anyone know what this fluid could be? | FerrariChat

Anyone know what this fluid could be?

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Citadel, Apr 17, 2021.

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  1. Citadel

    Citadel Karting

    Aug 6, 2017
    153
    Dallas, Texas
    I noticed a small amount of clear/ slightly brown fluid on the garage floor under the passenger side front of the car... Kinda directly under the passenger footwell/ dash area. It feels a bit oily to the touch.
    Any ideas?
    It showed up when I got the car back from the dealer, they installed carbon front wings in the front bumper...
    I looked at the brake fluid reservoir in the front trunk and it is full.

    Ideas?

    Car has less than 3k miles.

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  2. IloveGT

    IloveGT Formula 3
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    Oct 17, 2015
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    looks like engine oil
     
  3. PMiranda

    PMiranda Formula Junior

    Jul 23, 2004
    574
    Austin, TX
    I don't really have an answer, but not seeing any ohers I'll speculate:
    Power steering fluid wouldn't be brown.
    AC condensation would be normal, but aside from road grime I don't think it should feel very oily.
    If you can get it on a lift you might be able to easily see where it's coming from.
     
  4. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

    May 29, 2019
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    Considering the location, I'd say one of the following.

    Brake fluid
    Shock fluid
    Power steering fluid

    It most certainly should not be there.

    Has more come out after you wiped it up?

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  5. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    Hopefully some place nice.
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  6. Citadel

    Citadel Karting

    Aug 6, 2017
    153
    Dallas, Texas
  7. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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  8. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    Did you forget already that they put the motor in the back on the 458? hehe :)

    Ray
     
  9. IloveGT

    IloveGT Formula 3
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    Oct 17, 2015
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    what!? 458 is mid engine layout!?

    hahaha! now I just reread it. it's the front passagener side.

    sorry, op, I didn't know wtf I was talking about!
     
  10. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    Hm. An 8 year old car with 3k miles on it. I'm thinking dried out seals or hoses somewhere. No car like to sit unused.

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  11. Melvok

    Melvok F1 World Champ
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    Jul 25, 2008
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    Di you stick your hand in it ?(why not?) Did you smell oil ? Did it feel like oil ?
     
  12. Citadel

    Citadel Karting

    Aug 6, 2017
    153
    Dallas, Texas
    I did touch it and it was a bit slick... vs feeling like water.
     
  13. Citadel

    Citadel Karting

    Aug 6, 2017
    153
    Dallas, Texas
    no suspension lift on the car
     
  14. mdrums

    mdrums Formula 3

    Jun 11, 2006
    2,172
    Tampa FL
    Is the oil cooler up front on the car? If so could be engine oil leak from oil line going to cooler up front
     
  15. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    Radiators up front, oil coolers in the back.

    My guess would be a leaky brake caliper or maybe power steering union.

    Ray
     
  16. PMiranda

    PMiranda Formula Junior

    Jul 23, 2004
    574
    Austin, TX
    Could still be shock fluid. Wouldn't be very much fluid. Oil cooler leak would probably be a bigger puddle?
     
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  17. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    Usually slippery is brake fluid.

    Ray
     
  18. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    Yeah, could be a leaking shock all right. However, usually so little leaks that it never makes it to the ground (you generally just find fluid around the top area of the coil over). But it's certainly one possible culprit.

    Ray
     
  19. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    No. As Ray pointed out, the oil cooler itself sits in the back. Only water goes up front and this water is circulated through the oil cooler in the back.
     
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  20. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    Make sure it is clean underneath. Start up the car and let it sit and idle for 5 minutes, Check and see if it is clean underneath still. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock at least 10 times with the car running and revs at about 1200-1500. If you have two pieces of cardboard or heavy gauge photo style printer paper, place it underneath the front tyres if you are on a garage floor or smooth surface. It will make it much easier on the tyres and rack when you turn back and forth.
    Check and see if fluid is present underneath the car.
     
  21. Citadel

    Citadel Karting

    Aug 6, 2017
    153
    Dallas, Texas
    Dealer reviewed the car. Removed all the panels and everything was dry and clean. Inspected the steering rack, radiator, shocks and headlight washers but no fluid was leaking. Maybe it was just the AC condensation.... I'll keep monitoring
     

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