strange black fluid leaking

[B8xman]

I noticed this fluid in my engine compartment, first I noticed the over spray on the coolant overflow tank, so I cleaned the area and it came back. I later pinpointed it to around the pulleys and what I think is the tensioner. It is black, very thin, hot after an engine run, and has a smell I cant seem to pinpoint. Car runs great and I dont notice any strange or out of the ordinary noises. Anyone have this or can tell me what it is before it becomes a bigger problem?

[Highlander1010]

Given that it is directly below your oil filter, you should start by checking there.

[Dan_Q]

That is your serpentine belt tensioner. I had some grease build up on mine as well but not nearly as bad. It looks like one of the pulley wheel bearings is dying. I'd bring it in if you're still under warranty. That much build up (esp if you already cleaned it once) is not normal.

[Fburg A4]

Yeah its in that filter area. Looks like its below that reduced oil pressure switch too.

[B8-A4]

Its halogen fluid...from your HID lights

[B8xman]

Given that it is directly below your oil filter, you should start by checking there.

i did think that initially, however, it is coming from below that and being sprayed up from contact with the belt

[B8xman]

That is your serpentine belt tensioner. I had some grease build up on mine as well but not nearly as bad. It looks like one of the pulley wheel bearings is dying. I'd bring it in if you're still under warranty. That much build up (esp if you already cleaned it once) is not normal.

was your the same color/description as mine?

[B8xman]

Its halogen fluid...from your HID lights

very constructive, thanx

[B8-A4]

very constructive, thanx

lol yeah your right...

is black stuff gummy, and or when you wipe it, does it smear or just kinda collect under your finger? Also if your belt is rather clean, it would seem as though its being whipped off the pulley, so I would check any spot where oil could get onto the pulley in that area. I would also check the front and back of the pulleys wipe your finger around the front and rear edge see if you get some black stuff.

[B8xman]

Its not gummy, the opposite really. It gets and smears all over the place when I mess with it. Maybe it is just grease? Kinda like ink I guess is a way to describe it. I will wipe it again and report back. Wasn't sure if this was a common thing or not, im guessing not. Hope its nothing major.

[B8-A4]

Well if your leaking oil somewhere, to that amount, id say its not serious...id keep an eye on your oil lvl on your MMI, if its grease from a failing bearing on one of your pulleys it could be a problem. If it freezes up you prob wont know until your serp belt breaks from friction. Ive never removed the belt from my audi so, Id recommend looking into doing so, and hand turning any idle (not directly connected to a driven component) pulleys to see if they are tight.

[Crucible35]

I had a similar build up (like toner from a printer....like a black powder) around the time that I had to have my pulley replaced. Had to have the alternator replaced at the same time since it's all one part....apparently. I had a bit of a grinding sound coming from that area before it went but it was very slight.....in it's final stage there was smoke cooming from the pulley due to friction.

[B8xman]

So it was the pulley from the alternator in your case? This is good input

[Crucible35]

So it was the pulley from the alternator in your case? This is good input

Yup. Although the pulley that I had replaced with the alternator was the larger one to the right of your arrow in your pictures....but that black powder did settle in the area you have noted.

[Aviator99]

Did you ever figure out what the problem is and did you get it fixed....I have exactly the same thing going on in my A4...

[S4'ed]

Looks like particles of your serpentine belt flaking off. Replace it.

[Aviator99]

This is more like a liquid...similar to oil in color...it's not oil because I have checked everywhere in the engine compartment ...it's seems to be coming from the tensioner and being splashed by the belt. The belt it's self is in good condition..

[avant-grd]

Not sure is this is correct direction, but engine mounts?

[Elliott]

Not sure is this is correct direction, but engine mounts?

Um no. Engine mounts are nowhere near this area.

[Mina08]

Bearing grease probably, showing its on its way out.

[wabbit23]

I had a similar buildup on my Avant when I first got it. Turned out to be that black coolant hard line that's right above it. You can see it in one of your pictures. It connects to a hose above the intake manifold. I had a decent leak coming from that part. There was residue all over my tensioner just like in your picture but it was most appearant when I got under the car. If you remove your oil pan and see some orange buildup under some of the coolant hoses down there this should be the same issue. Good luck.

[Aviator99]

I had a similar buildup on my Avant when I first got it. Turned out to be that black coolant hard line that's right above it. You can see it in one of your pictures. It connects to a hose above the intake manifold. I had a decent leak coming from that part. There was residue all over my tensioner just like in your picture but it was most apparent when I got under the car. If you remove your oil pan and see some orange buildup under some of the coolant hoses down there this should be the same issue. Good luck.

I looked under the car removed the oil pan....no liquid down there. It seems likes coming from the tensioners...made an appointment with the dealer for this coming friday ...will report back.

[Aviator99]

Just got back from dealer...they stated no leaks pressure test on coolING system shows no leaks...the black fluid substance could be oil residue from a prior service that was probably trapped in the belt and tensioner. ...hmmm..going to keep an eye on it and hopefully the fluid does not make re emergence.....

[Aviator99]

Just a quick update ...we discovered that most likely it was a fewdrops of oil that accidentally got spilled to the belts during an oil change....It gets stuck inside the belts and over time due to the high velocity of the belts turning will end up on the tensioner. Goes away in a couple of months by itsself...
It hasnt been back so for now we are good...

[BlkS5]

I’ve got black crap flinging all over alternator pully and everything else. There an oil leak coming from lower timing cover that I believe is causing it. Not sure why it’s black it’s a mess.

[SNice]

I’ve got black crap flinging all over alternator pully and everything else. There an oil leak coming from lower timing cover that I believe is causing it. Not sure why it’s black it’s a mess.

Check around the crank seal. I had a similar issue and symptoms. It turned out the leak was coming from the crank seal.


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