Where is this leak coming from?

1140 Views 34 Replies 25 Participants Last post by gaw, 9 d ago

gaw

Discussion Starter · 12 d ago

I have a '66 mustang convertible, 289, C4. . I've had it about 2 years and all of this is new to me, so please be nice. Lol

I drove it 2 days ago and was planning to take it out tonight. This is what I saw when I opened the garage door. I crawled under it and see that I obviously have a leak on the wheel cylinder or axle seal but this leak isn't on the tires. It also feels more "oil" based but I'm not sure. Doesn't look like brake fluid to me. And It seems to be coming between the tire and the differential.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

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Woodchuck

· #2 · 12 d ago

Blow a shock?

Reactions: 3

gaw

Discussion Starter · #3 · 12 d ago

Woodchuck said:
Blow a shock?

What would I be looking for to confirm that? See if it bounces different from the other side?

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supershifter2

· #4 · 12 d ago

You gotta get under it look. Clean ever thing off. After a while look for oil marks on stuff.

Reactions: 1

gaw

Discussion Starter · #5 · 12 d ago

Here's the other side of the shock.

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awhtx

· #6 · 12 d ago

It l;ooks to me like the wheel cylinder is leaking. Do you see the fluid on the bottom of the brake backing plate?

Reactions: 3

myke b.

· #7 · 12 d ago

If you think it's brake fluid take the cap off the master cylinder and see if it's low. That seems like an awful lot to be leaking from a wheel cylinder though.

Reactions: 1

289vert

· #8 · 12 d ago

Does it smell real bad like diff oil?

chriscdev

· #9 · 12 d ago

It's obviously blinker fluid, come on everyone!

Chris

I suspect the shock.

Reactions: 2

my289

· #10 · 12 d ago

Strange spot. I would think rear brake cylinder but usually you see a trail on the tire. Could it be from the convertible pump leaking down the the floor and finding its way down to the floor, but I would think it would be red since ATF. So really weird.

Reactions: 1

66_72stanger

· #11 · 12 d ago

gaw said:
I have a '66 mustang convertible, 289, C4. . I've had it about 2 years and all of this is new to me, so please be nice. Lol

I drove it 2 days ago and was planning to take it out tonight. This is what I saw when I opened the garage door. I crawled under it and see that I obviously have a leak on the wheel cylinder or axle seal but this leak isn't on the tires. It also feels more "oil" based but I'm not sure. Doesn't look like brake fluid to me. And It seems to be coming between the tire and the differential.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

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The axle and back side of the wheels like really dry. As to each of your shocks. I could see it coming from the top hydro system but looks like oil on your rag…
I suppose I’d raise and then lower the top to see if that is the culprit.
Rather odd stop, good luck!

dennis111

· #12 · 11 d ago

66_72stanger said:
The axle and back side of the wheels like really dry. As to each of your shocks. I could see it coming from the top hydro system but looks like oil on your rag…
I suppose I’d raise and then lower the top to see if that is the culprit.
Rather odd stop, good luck!

Pull the rear seat bottom and look for wetness on that side--move your hand around various spots that you can reach to see if you find the oily substance.

MyOldGrayMare

· #13 · 11 d ago

Clean the oil spot off of your floor, or put down some cardboard or something. With that big puddle you can't tell exactly where the drip is coming from. When you see the first one on a clean surface under the car, look directly over it.

Reactions: 3

Caper50

· #14 · 11 d ago

I also agree with @awhtx , the lower section of the backing plate is soaked.

Reactions: 1

kenash

· #15 · 11 d ago

Yep, it's time to jack up the rear, remove both wheels and drums and have get an "eye" on the wheel cylinders.

Westmus

· #16 · 11 d ago

Remove the wheel and drum to see if the wet on the backing plate comes from brake cylinder or the wheel bearing. If it's from the wheel bearing area you probably have an non-fuctional axle went. The went is located were the brake line-T is bolted to the axle housing. Not sure if an bad bearing seal can make this amount of mess on it's own.

Maxum96

· #17 · 11 d ago

It's either an axle seal or brake wheel cylinder that is leaking. The good news is both are inexpensive and easy repairs.

Reactions: 2

Wiseguy59

· #18 · 11 d ago

That backing plate looks awfully wet.
I'd check the RR wheel cylinder, unless something sprayed the backing plate.

gt350sr

· #19 · 11 d ago

my vote is an axle seal and/or wheel cylinder. That much juice and the brakes should feel softer than normal. Also looks like you could have had normal moisture dripping from your exhaust directly above the puddle making it appear worse. Pull the tire and drum and see what you've got.

MSMach1

· #20 · 11 d ago

No easy way on this. As others have said, you are going to have to do some exploratory surgery starting with the wheel and brake drum.
Make sure you look at the brake line along the axle too.
I would think one good press on the brake pedal would make any brake leak very evident.

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