Pink fluid leaking from 95 Avalon?

[tpham]

Hi,

My car has been parked for 3 days and I just noticed a pink fluid coming from the bottom of my car? Does anyone have any idea what this fluid maybe and what could be causing it?

The car was towed before I parked it so I'm worried that something broke underneath when the fork lift was moving it around in the tow yard. Any ideas would be a huge help!

Thanks

[toyomoho]

Pink fluid. If it feels like oil and you have an automatic, it could be transmission or differential fluid (although I thought these two shared fluid). The power steering also uses the same fluid (Dexron). If it feels watery, the Toyota radiator coolant is red. Might be window washer fluid, some are pink in color.

Suggest taking fluid samples from the radiator, PS reservoir, transmission dipstick and window washer fluid, and then compare with what is leaking.

Picking up the car with a forklift placed at midcenter between front rear tires would be OK. If the car is pickup from the front, this is where the parts that use red fluid are located.

If you look under the car, you should be able to see if it was damaged by something hitting it, etc.

[tpham]

The fluid looks completely drained and it leaked from the right front tire about six inches in. Engine coolant is green so that isn't it. I'm afraid that it is transmission fluid and something broke while on the forklift. I'll need to jack it up and see where this is comning from.

Would I be able to drive the vehicle a mile without transmission fluid? I would much rather do that then get it towed.

[steve326a]

Originally Posted by tpham

The fluid looks completely drained and it leaked from the right front tire about six inches in. Engine coolant is green so that isn't it. I'm afraid that it is transmission fluid and something broke while on the forklift. I'll need to jack it up and see where this is comning from.

Would I be able to drive the vehicle a mile without transmission fluid? I would much rather do that then get it towed.

Uh oh, did you say right front tire? If so, check for a power steering leak in the rack and pinion ass'y or the PS pump or tank itself or the hoses going to and from it.

[toyomoho]

As Steve326A states check the PS system, the reservoir should have a dipstick to check.

Before driving, check transmission fluid using the trans dipstick with engine on and hot, in Park. Do not drive if there is not fluid in the transmission, you will damage it!

If the PS fluid is low or has run out, add more. Driving without PS will damage the pump. If you cannot fix it ASAP, remove or cut off the belt until you can it to it.

[steve326a]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

As Steve326A states check the PS system, the reservoir should have a dipstick to check.

Before driving, check transmission fluid using the trans dipstick with engine on and hot, in Park. Do not drive if there is not fluid in the transmission, you will damage it!

If the PS fluid is low or has run out, add more. Driving without PS will damage the pump. If you cannot fix it ASAP, remove or cut off the belt until you can it to it.

I respectfully advise against driving it with no PS. Even if you disable the pump by removing the belt there is a matter of damaging the rack and pinion itself from running dry or w/o any power assistance. The rack is geared to perform with the pump. Without it, the rack gears can snap not only damaging the rack thus requiring rebuild or replacement but you risk an accident causing serious injury or death to them or others. Believe me, the cost of a tow is much much less than the ugly alternatives that could happen.