2004 X5 4.4i Fluid leaking from the front passenger wheel well......
 

So I was out driving the X5 running errands last night and got home and parked it in the drive way and came back out later that night and noticed a few puddles of some sort of fluid on the ground along the right side. Great another issue with the X. Figured I check the engine bay for anything major but couldnt see anything. The filler cap appears to have a slight leak but nothing for the amount that was on the ground. Probably replace that as the seal could be going bad. But anyways checked the transmission cooler as that was the last thing I touched as it was leaking coolant so I replaced the o-rings but that looked fine. After laying there for a bit I dont think it coming from the engine bay as it seems like its all over the wheel wells only front and rear but mainly up front. Looked inside where the wheel well attaches to and dont see anything coming from inside. Checked the brake lines and that looks fine as well. Only other thing I can think of is the front shock?

So my question is there anything else that is around that area that could cause a massive leak? Figured it got onto my tires and is why its all over the wheel well trailing back along the side of the runners and to the rear tire and on the wheel well in the rear but more up front. The fluid splash on the wheel well is the exact size of the tire so its only in that area no where else if that makes sense.

What color is the fluid? Have you wiped it with a white paper towel to get a clear color? Also, put white paper towels down and see where it specifically drips from then follow the path. I would start by identifying the fluid first and checking the levels of all fluids when it’s cold.


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Ive checked everything from power steering, brake fluid, oil, etc...Only thing I didnt check was transmission. The color is hard to tell but from what I could tell its a brown color. I checked my oil and its actually a lighter color so dont think its my oil. The oil was dripping along the wheel well and running boards from the wheel splashing it. Inner wheels look fine so dont think its anything in there and the brake line looks fine as well. I did see some residue on the side of the bottom shock closest to the wheel itself so thats why I was wondering if its the shock? As for getting more of the fluid theres non to get as I wiped it down quiet a bit last night but still has the areas wet from the splashing along the side and wheel wells. Drove it around last night after the wipe down to see if I can get more fluids to leak but doesnt appear to be anymore at this time. Will probably drive around on it again later today locally near home just in case something happens (knock on wood). Im really thinking its the front shock but wanted to confirm if there is anything else near that general area that I may have missed. If it is the shock thats the first time Ive ever had a shock leak on me

Is it possible that you have a small rip in the CV boot and that water mixed into the grease a little? Just enough to give it that oily appearance...?

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The boots are fine checked those as well while I was checking the brake lines and everything else near that area. I’ve had boots rip on my other cars and they make a mess in the inner wheel. Other possibility is that I ran over some oil while driving but can’t seem to find any areas when back tracking the drive. Didn’t go to all the places of course I went too but may later today just to see if I get more fluids to drip. Plus I think I would have noticed that while driving. Is it common for shocks to leak when going bad?

Shocks can fail suddenly and they do contain quite a bit of oil.

Maybe drive down a dusty (dirt) road, so everything that is "wet" gets a coating of dust.

Stay with me here - I'm not insane! :D

Then when you drive home on the seal, the leak (if still occurring) will "wet" the dust near the origin and is MUCH easier to spot.

I know this from riding dual-sport bikes... which are nearly always dusty. ;)

Actually makes total sense. I did drive it today and noticed nothing more. Going to drive it more and keep monitoring it. I may just be stressing over nothing and its possible I ran over some fluids. :dunno:

One more excuse to take out your pampered X5 for a good exercise in the up-country roads :thumbup:.

Aint that the truth!

Did you check brake fluid, power steering and windshield washer fluid levels?