Diablo99

Gents,
I have a 2003 CTT and just noticed a red oily fluid dripping mostly next to the right hand front wheel. Any thoughts on what this could be?

Thanks in advance,
Rog

ltc

Picture?
How close to the front wheel?
Are all the fluids in the car OEM?

Diablo99

I will get a pic in the morning and post it, but just had another look and it looks more widespread than before. I can see the lower suspension arems on the right are covered in the fluid and I can see it dripping from the front engine cover from the front RHS wheel to the center of the car. It looks and feels like ATF...

Diablo99

I forgot to add that all fluids should be OEM.

ltc

Vehicle history?
Owned since new?
Do the words "coolant pipes" and "transmission seal" mean anything to you?

Stop making me ask questions ... This isn't a date.

Diablo99

It has 63K miles and Full Porsche history. I have owened it for two months and know that at some point the hard cooland pipe conversion has been done.

I am not that familiar with Ceyenne's, but am now aware of potential problems arising from coolant leaks and worn TC seals.

hahnmgh63

Hate to sound simple but are you sure it is Oil and not Coolant? Coolant should be Red/Pink and can feel a little oily, and the Coolant bottles are known to fail after 6+ years and drip right around the area you are talking about. Hope it is the Coolant bottle as they are only about $40 and a fairly easy fix.

Diablo99

I just taken some pictures of the leak/s. It appears that there is an oil leak from the front of the engine as I can see engine oil on some pipes and cooiling fans.

The subject leak definately appears to be ATF, and can been seen in the pics from underneath the car.

Diablo99

Thanks for the suggestion, but it is, unfortunately, too thick to be coolant. I have compared it with some unused ATF and I am sure it is ATF.

aCayenneFan

Ummm. OP, any reason you haven't taken the car to the dealer or indie mechanic? You have a leak. If it is coolant, the engine can overheat. If lubricating fluid, whatever it is lubricating will fail if the leak is not fixed.

Diablo99

I only saw the leak oin Saturday. I will talk to a specialist today, but I guess wanted an early opinion from the forum experts as to what I might be in for.

ltc

OK.
If you're lucky, the oil is simply the result of a recent oil change. Clean up what you can reach, keep an eye on the oil level and if any oil returns to the cleaned area. External oil leaks are not that common in P!gs; they usually burn oil, score cylinders, etc.

Regarding the transmission fluid, it is probable that when the coolant tubes ruptured, the transmission seal and starter both enjoyed a hot coolant spa treatment, leading to possible early failure of the TC seal (as you've probably already learned by wandering aimlessly thru the P!g Pen archives). The only way to know for sure would be to drop it and take a look.

63K miles, so I am assuming you are in a naked relationship with your P!g?

s4for5

Power steering fluid leak is a possibility, hoses run in that area

Diablo99

I almost wish it is however, I doubt it. I checked the Power Steering reservoir and it is full of a green fluid, so nothing like the one that is leaking.

It is going in on Wednesday, so let's see what they say...

Thanks for your opinion.

aCayenneFan

Not meaning to sound like I am piling on, but with the cost of repairs these days being soo high, this is one more example why an extended warranty is almost a requirement. Or, not owning a car outside of the warranty period.