How to Find Fluid Leaks in a Vehicle

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Күн бұрын

In this episode of Saturday Mechanic, Ben Wojdyla explains what are the best techniques on how to find fluid leaks in a vehicle.
Fluid leaks explained in this episode:
*Engine oil
*Brake fluid
*Antifreeze
*Transmission fluid
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Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.
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Пікірлер: 170

@Engineerboy100 4 жыл бұрын

Good job man, you picked a tough topic to simplify, there's a lot of different ways a car can leak any number of fluids and you did a good job shot gunning it without making a 2 hour video, thanks.

@silkytp789 8 жыл бұрын

This is a very nice primer on finding leaks. Well done. The foot powder trick is genius. Learn sumpin new every day...

@farukatasever2933 5 жыл бұрын

BRAVO.THE BEST TUTORING ABOUT OIL LEAK.DETAILED AND STRAIGHT TO THE POINT.THANKS.

@nicholasmcnamara9656 8 жыл бұрын

great video ! well explained, keep em coming !

@privacymatters5204 4 жыл бұрын

Great video and clear to understand. Thank you!!

@prosper4all 11 жыл бұрын

This video is great, thank you for making it.

@1ladyakmi 6 жыл бұрын

EXTREMELY HELPFUL. THANK YOU!!

@joshmultitool 6 жыл бұрын

Great view on investigating fluid we have a truck that seems to be leaking fluid . But i am going to peform the same technique that you've done THANK YOU VERY MUCJ : )

@triangle6665 10 жыл бұрын

Exatcly with all details.Good job Ben.

@gilbeatboy 11 жыл бұрын

Hi, just send a salute from México. I´m the mexican guy in the press conference of new Chevy Silverado/ GMC Sierra. Nice work this about fluid leaks! See you.

@robertboone6504 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, my man. Good job!

@silk562 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tutorial video. Very helpful. One of the main issues I've always had with vehicles I've owned. What was the first spray that you used before the foot spray?

@Terraceview 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks, the foot powder tip is just gold.

@SupermotoZach 10 жыл бұрын

This video was very good and informative :)

@coyoluo 11 жыл бұрын

You should have been my teacher in school, I would have passed everything, great video.

@GOBbluthagain 11 жыл бұрын

simply amazing video guys...

@jesshothersall 7 жыл бұрын

This was a brilliant video, who'd have thought, foot powder? So glad his was just a stone chip into the filter. Hope mine is as cheap!

@shawnsweet7037 8 жыл бұрын

Very nice video for general info on leaks. Thanks

@laureldean7480 8 жыл бұрын

@mogtabasalih8561 3 жыл бұрын

This vid helps me understand how to fix your car its very fun and important.☺👍🚘

@chicanopridealvarez1385 5 жыл бұрын

Very good advice, would you have any videos or anything on checking leak from a windshield wiper resovoir such as removing and where to look on a 2006 Nissan Titan

@lenorabattles3700 8 жыл бұрын

great tips thanks

@INTERNA9 9 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanx

@johnpinto3857 10 жыл бұрын

Good explanation on leaks . I liked it.

@AhmedBaniSaad 7 жыл бұрын

John Pinto I've got a situation where there is kind of oily liquid in the coolant radiator. garage technician suspect that gear drops leak inside coolant. however, I didn't got any shortage of gear oil ! . xterra 2008

@yongmoore9025 6 жыл бұрын

hi how are you my car oil leak 2004 cadillac escalade can you what problem?

@yongmoore9025 6 жыл бұрын

i paid $831 but sam oil leak i take back he want $ 976more i dont know what do to please tell me

@Mail4dalej 11 жыл бұрын

Great tips.

@Mirla83 11 жыл бұрын

Grat job !

@steveretiredandcranky 6 жыл бұрын

Good video.

@luckyamo15 11 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks Ben, I really appreciate it. Well im hoping it's a simple fix like shift solenoids or something. But do you think a cable running to the intake manifold may have been installed incorrectly when I did the swap?

@hedydecosta6980 7 жыл бұрын

Great demo, thank you very much! :-)

@Seinarutenshi 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. It was good.

@auto5847 10 жыл бұрын

I like it. but anyway do you have video about how to set up geometry?

@Mikeanddrea 10 жыл бұрын

In addition to gear oil possibly leaking from your differentials, it can also be leaking from your transfer case.

@wrhj66 8 жыл бұрын

Man.. I hope to find that this is my problem as well.. Will find out tomorrow!

@mberge1 10 жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for the video. I just replaced the clutch slave cylinder after having to keep refilling the master clutch resovoir. This morning I checked and the clutch resevoir is empty. The car is a 1993 hyndai elantra 1.6 with 105k miles on it. It shifts okay but will look for more leak points. Any thoughts on this?

@troyfrazier9542 4 жыл бұрын

Brake fluid clean my oil residual well and foot power work well. Thanks

@dirtyboy8336 6 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for the tips Ben. I have took My 2003 GMC Yukon Truck to many shops and End up losing money from Them all any of them Couldn't fix my oil Problem. It still leak till this day. Ok over the months I've been deciding to Buy My own tools and fix My own vehicles because Some mechanics out here Just No Good at all and I live in Atlanta Georgia And I haven't found A good shop yet.

@lyntonbr 6 жыл бұрын

How do I know if there is a problem of leaking on the break bluid or a problem with the pressure sensor? I have not noticed break fluid in the floor... Thanks for the help

@ChroniclesofKToyoda 9 жыл бұрын

Nice video, shame you didn't use the AW11 MR2 in the back to hunt for leaks. It would be informative since I have a '85 mkIa myself and it's very compact and hard to follow leaks in that chassis.

@kawininji8874 9 жыл бұрын

I had a bad coolant leak for a while. It was a 3 inch rubber pipe. Worst thing I've ever changed.

@tashaw0432 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Ben I have a 99 nissan quest and it has a leak in by the front passenger tire not sure if it is the brake or power steering fluid.

@HtownRO 11 жыл бұрын

I've been using the fram tough gaurds, its fine, but I have noticced a noisy engine start up maybe cuz the oil drain back valve wasn't doing its job? Idk I've used it the past 6 months and now I'm noticing a lil more engine noise while crusing.. also should I be using "high milage" synthetic blend oils? Since I have 97,000 miles. I've been using castrol full syntheticc

@vaishak8 9 жыл бұрын

i see few dried oil spots every next day underneath my right front tire, i recently noticed and changed my power stering fluid as it was below than minium ( well below), do you think it is power steering fluid? it leaked because it was lower than minimum ? i recently drove a long distnace and my car was fine until few days ago. looking for ideas. nissan micra s, 2000 , right hand side driving.

@lexusfan100 11 жыл бұрын

what was that can that u used to clean off..u said not as strong as brake cleaner..so what is the name of that white can ..thanks for the tip

@StankPlanks 5 жыл бұрын

Very helpful video, time to find where my cars leak is.

@dorismarks7773 9 жыл бұрын

I want to know if your mileage light is flickering on and off is that a fuse? I have a 2000 Malibu.

@michellemartinez5149 10 жыл бұрын

Like the video - very informative. thanks I would also like to know what he white and red can was. thanks

@hippchip 9 жыл бұрын

brake clean

@mx5hong 11 жыл бұрын

Could reusing a oil drain plug crush washer or leaving it out be a source of a oil leak? When I stock up on oil filter at the dealership, I make sure the crush washers are included.

@Pfirtzer 6 жыл бұрын

The car is not leaking it's just marking it's territory!

@fordfurious1998 10 жыл бұрын

hey i have a brake warning light up on my dash and i see that there are two liquids leaking (i suspect coolant and brake fluid) its a 1999 chevrolet Lumina 55,000 miles both are leaking from the front whats your advice?? im just not sure if its either please i need some advice

@punk86 11 жыл бұрын

I had a lot of oil leaks on my car. Rear main seal, oil cooler o-ring, cam cap seal, oil pan gaskets (both). The problem is almost my entire engine is soaked in it or has a lot of film. I replaced my clutch because it was bad plus the bad rear main seal. My transmission was covered inside and out. I managed to clean it up really good (except around axle inputs). How can I clean every inch underneath the car without pulling out everything in my engine bay?

@GMelton 11 жыл бұрын

I have 2 questions first I have a coolant leak which I believe is coming from a freeze plug on my 1991 ford f150 with the 300 6cyl. how should I go about this? Second could fuel system cleaner help my engine run better?

@ashleybrian88 8 жыл бұрын

Thank u

@luckyamo15 11 жыл бұрын

Hey Ben quick question.. I recently replaced an engine in my 93 Lexus SC400, and for some reason my transmission does not want to upshift forward gears.. it stays in first.. I don't think its a mechanical problem because I changed the trans filter and fluid and it didn't look too bad and there wasn't anything on the magnets. I'm thinking its an electrical problem.. any ideas?

@Smokedog1968 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 2008 ford fusion with 2.3 4 cyclinder manul transmission engine and it's leaking fluid around the radiator not coolant but fluid I think it has a cooler on the radiator what could be the problem?

@Canakar360 11 жыл бұрын

Hey man, we have a 2010 Honda Civic Sport with about 30000K on it and when we park it in the garage over night, in the morning there is a clear fluid on the floor where the engine are is. I'm guessing that is A/C water? But we don't use A/C, and plus this car is only 2 years old, should it even be leaking anything? Cheers from Canada, Andriy

@Terror1Void 11 жыл бұрын

I've got a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier with 234k on the clock. A mechanic deduced that my oil leak wasn't rear main seal, as he said the flywheel would have been drenched with fluid if it was (it wasn't). I forgot what he thought it may have been. The oil hasn't dipped below the F line yet. Should I just keep making sure that it doesn't get down to E? It's a very small leak, think of 3 quarter drops every 2 days it sits. Thanks!

@unbrandedgod 9 жыл бұрын

what did you clean leak stains with

@steamwalker 11 жыл бұрын

He used Brakleen, ie brake cleaner. He said that you should really use something gentler than brake cleaner, but ended up using it anyway.

@punk86 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I just don't have access to a pressure washer or an engine lift to really do that.

@davidsiow6963 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Ben,after installing a new radiateur in my car Opel corsa B, I found that there is a leak.The coolant houder mark.60 % lower to 10 % everyday.Waht is the problem.Please help.

@livedeliciously 5 жыл бұрын

This is awesome because you don't need special diagnostic parts.

@ahuggy911 11 жыл бұрын

i would be too, I have never seen a hole in an oil filter unless it was dented or something. Very weird, I wonder how it got there.

@cowanr775 10 жыл бұрын

"It's crazy poisonous and you don't wanna lick it."

@londonleasure962 7 жыл бұрын

I have a 1999 ford escort I have a leak in the transmission inter cooler line but I can't find where it is leaking

@my2cents838 10 жыл бұрын

This video seems really helpful. I think a face mask would be a good idea though. A lot of those car sprays are made of some pretty toxic stuff. And, gravity takes the spray droplets down into your breathing space.

@denabdullah2678 9 жыл бұрын

hi what was that your spraying with to clean the engine bay.

@hippchip 9 жыл бұрын

brake clean

@jezzamowing 9 жыл бұрын

I have a oil leak but my oil levels are fine, can't fine were it coming from,oil light flicks on and off when driven it a little.

@Hibachipower 5 жыл бұрын

Oil leak at axle that mean is leaking transmission oil right ? Not the engine oil right?

@my1213 7 жыл бұрын

i've had a bad calliper, leaking brake fluid... but I knew because my board indicator was lit even with handbrake down.

@teroncharles8187 11 жыл бұрын

Hi I have a plm wit my bmw the old leaking how can if find the plm and fix it I need help

@WorldEagleKW 10 жыл бұрын

Wonderful explanation. Thank you. I have a question. I recently took a car trip and realized the engine oil is disappearing at a rate of 1 bottle/2000 miles. I put a piece of cardboard under the engine for a night and there was no sign of oil on the cardboard. Could you suggest any possible suspects? Thank you.

@NuMooX 10 жыл бұрын

Do you have white smoke coming out the rear exhaust?

@dunanananana 10 жыл бұрын

NU MOO i have a similar problem and i have seen white smoke before, suggestions?

@mrcokez1 10 жыл бұрын

***** if its white smoke youre burning antifreeze...and should have a 'sweet' smell to it.

@hippchip 9 жыл бұрын

head gasket

@hippchip 9 жыл бұрын

Chip Caddy or cracked head cylinder

@orlandodizo5097 3 жыл бұрын

.How much it cost to replace a leaking hose of a power steering? What else should be replace?

@misfitisland4538 8 жыл бұрын

Good video. You must have a horse shoe up your truck. Luckiest leak possible. I like the foot spray idea. Thanks for sharing.

@arogers573 4 жыл бұрын

I cant find spray foot powder that is white powder. Everything, even at walmart, is clear liquid. Can you give the name brand?

@yasiraljabiry3223 6 жыл бұрын

How can I contact with u I have some causations

@leoxu1299 8 жыл бұрын

what's that can you use for clean up the oil stain?

@TechTubeHDReviews 7 жыл бұрын

leo xu probably brake fluid and high pressure water.

@PR4470 6 жыл бұрын

Dawn Ultra! It works real good on baby ducks.

@Johnny-kv7mh 9 жыл бұрын

I have a '02 Monte Carlo LS & it just started leaking something near the front, passenger side of my vehicle. Can't really tell if it's an coolant leak or something else. Any ideas?

@abracadabra485 5 жыл бұрын

Something else.

@TheCodesterr 2 жыл бұрын

Man… I replaced my valve cover gasket and it’s still leaking some oil. Hopefully mine is as easy as a hole in my filter… but it doesn’t drip until after I drive and let it sit for a while.

@24davedog 6 жыл бұрын

my 91 buick lasaber leaking transmission fluid but the fluids never low

@alpharealtymatthew 10 жыл бұрын

What was the first can used. I didnt catch the name.

@ivancedillo8 4 жыл бұрын

Matthew Andrade brake cleaner

@garyvanremortel5218 5 ай бұрын

Yeah, don't use brakleen. Use d-limonene or Simple Green spray followed by a pressure washer water rinse then go for a drive. The acetone in brakleen can hurt hoses.

@jacquelineperry5873 5 жыл бұрын

Dealership imformed my oil leak was a rear oil seal and charged me 3100.oil light came back on 21 days after repair ruining motor but dealership only offered half money back or install motor free if I brought motor.file in small claims for a knew motor and all money back it was there diagnosis’s

@FJ80Coop 11 жыл бұрын

Brakleen will also remove your eyes if you get it in it,or make you think it is going to remove them...Safety glasses,and or a face shield when spraying Brakleen above your face,or near your eyes...

@marvinautoworks9955 7 жыл бұрын

what kind of foot powder is that

@bikerb62750 11 жыл бұрын

What about the fluid in the hydraulic clutch or slave ! BIKERB

@missjannyroo 9 жыл бұрын

my mechanic told me I have a rear main engine oil seal leak and would need to take car to transmission shop. My car is a 91 maxima W/116,000 miles I can not spend $1,000+ to replace seal. He says it's a slow leak and would not fix it, due to cost and age of car. How about using the product "BARS REAR MAIN SEAL REPAIR" or "LUCAS OIL 10278 ENGINE OIL STOP LEAK"? Any thoughts on that?

@hampsondylan 9 жыл бұрын

The ways those product works is basically swelling the broken or cracked seal. They could work for a little while, but i would change the seal as soon as you can so you don't have to deal with it again. Maybe try another mechanic and check prices.

@synetradockery5952 6 ай бұрын

Will transmission oil leak at passenger side of car?

@AliG.G 6 жыл бұрын

what the sprays you used?

@BillSikes. 5 жыл бұрын

Ali G Probably brake/clutch cleaner

@UFT1 7 жыл бұрын

what did you use instead of brake cleaner you never said.

@smoothcologne187 6 жыл бұрын

A degreaser such as Simple Green.

@rogercox6755 5 жыл бұрын

spray yourself car wash, then use Brake cleaner, after it drys, spray foot power on to be able to have a contrast to see leaks.

@j4k3z 5 жыл бұрын

I think he did use brake cleaner but said you'll probably want to use something less harsh or abrasive

@edumspeed 11 жыл бұрын

A pressure washer works wonders. Just make sure you don't soak the alternator and ignition system.

@scottstevens9411 3 жыл бұрын

What about a fuel leak on a 5 speed 89 Toyota Tercel.

@furyiiiplate 11 жыл бұрын

I no longer by the generic oil filters cause of this... leaky and one had a split seam... I figured if it would have been just a weak seam... could have split open far from home and wouldn't be worth the $2 I save buying cheap filters.

@jefrey5578 6 жыл бұрын

That's the reason I always use AC delco filters. In your case I would only use motorcraft filters. The ones from Napa are fram and fram is utter crap. Motorcraft shouldnt cost any more than a few bucks extra. I use full synthetic so I only change every 10k miles so the extra few bucks are worth it.

@onDishez 11 жыл бұрын

Is this a compression test or something different? Thanks

@tereseberry7222 6 жыл бұрын

What do you do if you have a leak in the front of and you think it's oil but when you check the engine oil the engine oil is full but it's leaking oil?

@abracadabra485 5 жыл бұрын

Drink a beer

@StankPlanks 5 жыл бұрын

Get under the car and try find the leak.

@ormsie9252 11 жыл бұрын

I always see the left light on Ford trucks/SUVs oxidize much faster than the right. What could be causing this? Of course, it's nothing some toothpaste and a rag can't handle, but it still makes me wonder.

@georgealmeida7382 4 жыл бұрын

thats why I like fords..oil filter doubles as a skidplate .

@jw200 11 жыл бұрын

I wish you would be my neighbor, so you could lift up my car and find a leak under engine. I have a leak, whole engine is covered with oil underneath, but i dont know where it comes. Once in a 3-4 months i need to add oil. I will try to look at oil filter but i don't think i will get it so easy. Was this called "Powder spray" ? What powder is it? Where i should ask for it?