Fluid leak around front tire

[superbondbond]

I have a 2009 A5, 3.2.
The other day i noticed an oily spot on the garage floor mostly around the front tire on the driver side. It was a substantial amount of fluid - probably half a liter i would guess. It had a sort of green tint, definately oil based.

Initially thought it was brake fuid, so i cleaned it up, took off the wheel to inspect the brake lines, which look ok. i couldn't see any evidence of a leak. In fact the brake line and other components around it were dry. The brake fluid resevoir reads full and there are no indicators lit on the dash.

My next thought was power steering fluid. I inspected around the resevoir and can't see evidence of a leak from there. The fluid in the resevoir reads full.

Any other thoughts on what it could be? The leak showed up suddenly, and i haven't seen any additional leaking in the last two days since leaving the car there.

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[themirror]

Engine mounts? Although they're orange color fluid I think...

[coffeysm]

If it's greenish and near the front tire, I would say it's power steering fluid. It's probably leaking into boot that covers the inner tie rod.

[doc280]

Headlight washer line has come off. If you have tried any type of washer fluid like RainX, which cleans and makes water bead right off your windshield, it will also clog up the works. Also when it dries it is oily and more then likely if you look under the car it is sticking the the plastic skid pans.

[superbondbond]

Headlight washer line has come off. If you have tried any type of washer fluid like RainX, which cleans and makes water bead right off your windshield, it will also clog up the works. Also when it dries it is oily and more then likely if you look under the car it is sticking the the plastic skid pans.

Don't have headlight washers on mine.

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[AWDfreak]

Headlight washer line has come off. If you have tried any type of washer fluid like RainX, which cleans and makes water bead right off your windshield, it will also clog up the works. Also when it dries it is oily and more then likely if you look under the car it is sticking the the plastic skid pans.

Wandering a bit off topic, but while there seems to be evidence that Rain-X washer fluid may coat the electronic fluid level sensor causing it to malfunction (always show fluid low), there is little evidence it will "clog up the works". This seems to affect several European brands (including Audi/VW) and a couple of American car brands. What is in common is they all use electronic sensors and not float sensors. But there are also Audi owners out there saying they have had no problems with Rain-X washer fluid--so who knows the real story. Some say the problem might have been the result of a reformulation of Rain-X washer fluid a couple of years ago as the problem suddenly occurred for some after years of use--don't know if that is true or if Rain-X stayed with the reformulation.

I've been using Rain-X washer fluid in 4 other cars (Honda, Mazda, and two Toyotas) without any problems for 7 or 8 years now. Not using it in the Audi.

BTW, if the sensor does get coated and malfunctions, it is fixed simply by cleaning off the surface of the sensor with a brush or rag, if you can reach it (that is likely the bigger challenge).

[doc280]

I can not speak for the Rain-X washer fluid in other vehicles, but in my S5 it made a mess, resulting clogged nozzles and the passenger side headlight washer line coming off. The line disconnected resulted in a slow leak which would leak out in front of the tire, leaving a oily puddle on my clean floor.

[doc280]

Don't have headlight washers on mine.

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Well that rules out my theory.

[Audiforumuser]

The washer fluid reservoir is on the drivers side just behind the wheel arch. If that's where you're seeing green fluid it's possible your reservoir is leaking.


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[superbondbond]

The washer fluid reservoir is on the drivers side just behind the wheel arch. If that's where you're seeing green fluid it's possible your reservoir is leaking.

Definitely not washer fluid - I only use the blue stuff.

The stain this leak left on my garage floor was dark like an oil stain - I still have tracks down my driveway where I backed through it. It just looked greenish as I was able to see when cleaning it up.

At this point I'm wondering if it came from my car at all. after the weekend (and driving the car a little bit), Engine oil still reads full, Brake fluid reads full, Power Steering fluid reads full. I put the car up on ramps and took the plastic skid plate off and still can't see anything.

I'm baffled.
Thanks for all the input BTW.

[Hy Octane]

Leaking Shock absorber (if you dont have gas charged ones)..? Hows it riding/sitting?

Could be a CV boot that has ripped and leaked its goop as well.. couple of things to look at..

[new2s5]

I had an oil leak from left front (driver side). Turned out it was a bad O-ring in the a/c lines behind the headlight.

[superbondbond]

I had an oil leak from left front (driver side). Turned out it was a bad O-ring in the a/c lines behind the headlight.

Will be sure to check that out. Thanks.

[gdd9000]

Anyone figure this out? I just had this happen to my 08 S5. I suspected brake fluid (it smelled similar to what was in the tank). The brakes in the front had just been done (pads and rotors, etc.) two days before, so I suspected the two events were linked. Definitely some kind of oil, slightly viscous, but not strong smelling like brake fluid, and def didnt smell like coolant. I dont know what power steering fluid smells like. The puddle appears that it may have been dripping originally from an area slight forward and to the right of the left front wheel, then rolling down to form a puddle around the tire.