What is leaking?

[Amtrak98]

So I go out to my car on Monday to fill it up with washer fluid because I'm getting the check control message in my dash. I'm not sure how much is left but it needs to be filled. I poured a whole gallon in, it still wasn't full, and then I poured another half gallon in before the fluid was near the top of the washer fluid cap. All is good, whatever. I come out the next morning and there is a puddle about a foot in diameter under the right front fender right where the side skirt starts. I look and there is a continuous drop from the bottom of the car. Its not colored and it doesn't smell. My washer fluid is light green and has a faint chemical smell. So, I assume I overfilled or it's leaking. Had no leaks before I filled it up and the car still had some fluid in it. So I drive it around Tuesday, ended up using some of the washer fluid (thinking maybe it will empty whatever I overfilled). Park, don't notice a puddle. Come back today to go to work, and the same puddle is back, now about half as small. Does anyone know what this is? Antifreeze, brake fluid, washer fluid? Help would be much appreciated. I don't want to be driving around with something important leaking out of my car. Can't see any leaks from the engine bay either.

[mryakan]

pics maybe? Smell/color will be your clues. Water is clear and odorless. I am about to say A/C condensation, but if the puddle is big, that may not be it. Are you sure it is from the car? I'd put a cardboard under the location where it leaks and park in a different orientation than you usually do.

[Level1Tech]

It is washer fluid. The washer tank is located behind the right front fender. It is most likely leaking from the washer pump or grommet. Very common. We typically replace both when doing the job. That's why u keep getting the low washer CC message

[Amtrak98]

Well the first day it happened, it hadn't rained for quite some time (weeks) so i dont think it was water. It rained last night but it had been about 10 hours between when it stopped raining and when i got home from work, parked in my dry driveway in a different spot, and noticed the leak again. One of the pictures makes it look brown/orange. Thats from the dirt. When you rub the source of the leak with your fingers the water comes out clear and your hand gets dirt on it. No colored liquid.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=3244&pictureid=16010

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=3244&pictureid=16011
Not sure why that one is sideways, sorry.


It is washer fluid. The washer tank is located behind the right front fender. It is most likely leaking from the washer pump or grommet. Very common. We typically replace both when doing the job. That's why u keep getting the low washer CC message

But I haven't gotten the low washer fluid message since I refilled it. Is it a very slow drip/leak?

[Level1Tech]

yes that is exactly where they leak from in that pic

[Amtrak98]

yes that is exactly where they leak from in that pic

Is this something that needs to be fixed right away in fear of damaging any other parts? This is probably last on my things to deal with. My main belt tensioner is causing a belt to slip and I need my valve cover gaskets replaced so I'm hoping this can wait.

[Level1Tech]

no risk of damage. i wouldn't worry about it until u adress the more serious issues.

[Amtrak98]

no risk of damage. i wouldn't worry about it until u adress the more serious issues.

Great!! Thanks for all the help!