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Leaking red fluid

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by k3n79r053, Jun 28, 2022.

  1. Jun 28, 2022 at 11:48 AM
    #1
    k3n79r053

    k3n79r053 [OP] New Member

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    woke up to a reddish puddle underneath, checked tranny but leak is located by the pulleys, specifically idle 1. no leaking hoses and only location seems to be coming from behind the pulley. Checked my power steering fluid and it's good, so I'm assuming it has to be my transmission fluid but I don't know why it would be leaking from front. Does anyone know what this could be? Also underneath the fluid dries to almost crusty looking same as on the ground.

    20220628_113915.jpg
    20220628_113902.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2022
  2. Jun 28, 2022 at 12:14 PM
    #2
    spencermarkd

    spencermarkd New Member

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    Coolant from the water pump or water pump gasket? Do you have OG pink coolant that looks red when mixed with dirt/oil?
     
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  3. Jun 28, 2022 at 12:25 PM
    #3
    k3n79r053

    k3n79r053 [OP] New Member

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    I did have some red coolant also but wasn't sure if that's it because on the ground the fluid is crusting up almost white also. I've checked reservoir and still fluid, but that is also green because I did have to add more. But prior to that it was red. edit: I looked again and I do believe it could be the water pump leaking, which sucks but at the same time a relief. easy and inexpensive fix to do myself just a bit of a pain to get to.
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2022
    spencermarkd and suaveflooder like this.
  4. Jul 5, 2022 at 9:07 AM
    #4
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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    Since its up by the pulleys i agree its likely your water pump but dont forget the trans does send fluid up to the radiator to be cooled, with two small hard lines running alongside the lower radiator bracket. Food for thought if you ever see other red fluid :cheers:
     
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  5. Aug 17, 2022 at 11:24 AM
    #5
    _JT_

    _JT_ New Member

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    Two ideas. Had my alternator go out a couple years back, ends up it was the cam seals that were leaking down to the pulleys. Based on the red coloring, I would guess power steering. Recently had a leak in the metal part of the line, probably started as a pin prick and expanded, but could account for the location you're seeing. Check the fluid reservoir with a flashlight to be sure. The red is because they use ATF.
     
  6. Aug 18, 2022 at 4:18 AM
    #6
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

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    As soon as I read red liquid, I thought water pump, had a similar issue on previous runner I had.
     

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