What is leaking under my LSE?

[Black LSE]

In the past week I've noticed some drops on the garage floor under the engine, and I can't figure out what's leaking.

I put some of it on a paper towel - that's the big yellowish blob at the top in the first pic. Below that I put a drop of coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil, from left to right. (Yes, it's time to change the oil)
Power steering fluid isn't on there, but I checked and it's a healthy reddish color.

Does the 05 V8 have fluid filled engine mounts? In the second picture you can kind of see where the liquid is coming off the edge of that plastic undertray, close to the oil pan.

Whatever it is doesn't evaporate off the floor, it feels kind of oily between my fingers and has almost no odor.

 

[LS4me]

Looks like (dirty) brake fluid.

 

[Black LSE]

Well, brake fluid is really runny, and this stuff is thicker and has a much different color. Maybe strut oil?

 

[Black LSE]

Bump...
Any specific knowledge on whether we have fluid filled engine mounts or not? The service manual was not specific.

 

[joegr]

Bump...
Any specific knowledge on whether we have fluid filled engine mounts or not? The service manual was not specific.

The suspension bushings are fluid filled, and the motor mounts probably are too. Unfortunately, that's not what your leak is. That's compressor oil. Your AC compressor is probably leaking from the seam between the front and back halves.

You need to do something about it soon. Once the oil runs out, the compressor will self destruct and contaminate the rest of the system.

Feel the underside of the compressor and see if you don't find that same yellow oil.

 

[Black LSE]

Aha! I think you're right. I felt around as far as I could reach and it seems like it's coming from a diamond shaped cover plate on the back of the compressor. Bummer!

 

[soccerplayer2007]

Same Problem

I'm fairly positive I'm having the same problem Black LSE. I'll check next weekend when I have the car in the garage changing my oil, coils and plugs. Let me know how you go about fixing it (DIY or taking it to the dealership).

 

[Black LSE]

Just as an update. I put a can of that leak sealer from auto zone into the system. It had 1oz sealer, 1oz oil, and 1oz refrigerant. After a week or two using the AC regularly, the leak stopped. Low side pressure checked good and the air is nice and cold. Saved me a trip to the shop.

 

[BlackLS06]

It's a temp fix but it wI'll show again.

 

[Alax7]

The suspension bushings are fluid filled, and the motor mounts probably are too. Unfortunately, that's not what your leak is. That's compressor oil. Your AC compressor is probably leaking from the seam between the front and back halves.

You need to do something about it soon. Once the oil runs out, the compressor will self destruct and contaminate the rest of the system.Feel the underside of the compressor and see if you don't find that same yellow oil.

Well thats not good. I think mine is leaking too.

 

[Black LSE]

Going on two years and still holding. No more leaks.