Mystery leak - advice needed

[Beecher]

:huh: I need some advice. My 2003 TT coupe leaks about a cupful of coolant at the right front corner after I park it. I can't find where it's coming from under the car. It doesn't appear right after shutting down or while the car is running. It has to be parked overnight before the puddle appears. Here is my question: can I drive the car with the front bumper cover removed? I think this may be the only way to find the leak and the cover will have to come off to change any hoses or radiators.

[Loren]

Right front pretty much has to be a hose or radiator.

You need to pull the fender liner and have a look.

[Beecher]

Thanks Loren,

How much access do I have with the fender liner out? I assume that I'll have to pull the bumper cover to change any hoses or radiators. The fender liner will just allow me see what's going on in there, right?

[T2_996420]

I once had a hose that needed tightening there but that was a while back - I also ahd to replace all three radiotors in my 2003 X50 at one point or another - then again it's got just under 160,000 miles on it. Try the hose first then have the techs look for a leak in the radiator. Good luck. T2

[Loren]

Thanks Loren,

How much access do I have with the fender liner out? I assume that I'll have to pull the bumper cover to change any hoses or radiators. The fender liner will just allow me see what's going on in there, right?

It depends - if it is a lower hose you might get lucky and just need to remove the liner. If it is an upper hose then you will need to remove the front bumper and likely loosen the radiator mounts to get to the (upper) hose.

[Beecher]

Thanks Loren,

I pulled the cover out of the fender well and found the leak at the lower end of the lower hose. I wiggled the hose and the leak stopped! The hose connection is a pressure type like the intake hoses with a wire clip and O ring. I ordered a new hose. I'm so glad the front end does not have to come off. I have good access to the hose with the wheel removed. I'm going to combine replacing the hose with a brake flush and oil change.

[Loren]

When you fit the new hose use new screw-type hose clamps. Those spring clamps are barely good enough for one use and certainly not two.

[RFM]

It is not possible to use screw types clamps, it is a snap in system, change the O ring and the clip to be sure.

[Loren]

RFM is correct - my bad I was thinking of the 996 Carrera hoses.

[Chuck Jones]

T2 996: My hearty congratulations to you if you truly have an 03 X50 with 160,000 miles on it. Or was that a mis-print? That sort of post makes me feel a bit better about the prognosis for a long and pleasant relationship with these cars. Your mileage is the highest I've ever heard of on a TT. It's a tribute to your care and feeding of a great machine.

Chuck

[T2_996420]

Chuck,

Not a miss type - she's got all them miles on her and yes they are very good for a long term relationship. Puts a smile on my face twice a day - at least....T2