Land Rover Repair: Leaky Fluid, land rover lr3, sweet fluid

Question
Hi John,

My Land Rover LR3 is leaking a dark brown fluid from the passenger side, rear lower control arm, at least that is where it is collecting and dripping. The fluid is watery brown and I cannot pinpoint a location above it the fluid could be coming from. At first I thought it was coolant and oil, so I was concerned about a leaky head gasket, but I see no fluid above the control arm mounting location. In addition, the lower control arm attaches at a point where it is boxed in, so I cannot determine where it's coming from. It seems to be water soluble and has a sweet taste. Yes, i dabbed a very small amount on the tongue to determine if it is oil or not.

Answer
Hi Todd,

the only sweet fluid I can think of is coolant.  You don't mention if you are loosing any coolant so it makes it more difficult to pinpoint.  

Could be ACE / PS fluid - check the reservoir level.  If its not with the pump it could be with the steering box.

Then there is hub - but that lubricant is very thick and can't imagine how it could become watery.  

Garage would normally 'eye-ball' the area and if they can't find a leak, they clean the engine, run it for 10 minutes and then inspect for leaks.

Local garages could do this for you and save you some $$$ towards the repair.

Best of luck,

JohnMc