Hi Guys,

Noticed a basketball-sized puddle of yellow fluid coming from one of the lines by the driverside rear wheel just in front of the suspension coil. Looks like maybe one of the clamps caused a crack in the line? Leaking right at a clamp..

Anyway, is that brake fluid? and is there anyway I can fix it or do I have to take it to the dealer$hip? It's an '08 FWD Hybrid...

I'm assuming this is a non-warranty issue? Any rough estimates on cost of repair?

Quick responses are much appreciated,

Thank you.

 

Unfortunately, it probably is brake fluid. You'll need to go to the $tealership as only they have the equipment to do the brake bleeding after the leaking line is fixed. I had to have mine bled after replacing front brake hoses and the bleeding was something like $320.

 

Thanks... This may seem like an obvious question, but are all $tealerships supposed to have the same part and service prices?

 

Probably unlikely, but that could be your rear a/c line leaking. They put yellow dye in when they charge it at the factory.

 

$320 for brake bleeding? Talk about getting bent over. I've replaced the fluid in alot of cars that had ABS with a Mighty Vac. Not sure why it would be so different just because its a hybrid.

 

I was going to mention the rear A/C line, which for some inexplicable reason exits the interior of the vehicle at the left rear wheel well, but I couldn't figure out why in the world it would be yellow for coolant.

 

You obviously don't know anything about the Ford Escape Hybrid brake system. It DOES require special equipment and knowledge/procedure that normally only the dealer can do.

 

It's more of a green than yellow. A dye kit or yellow glasses and the LED light would tell for sure what it is.

 

BUT, an A/C leak would be freon and that wouldn't leave a basketball sized puddle on the ground. It would disappear into the air. Or am I wrong about freon.....??

 

When the refrigerant leaks the oil is with it but it boils off when it hits the atmospheric pressure leaving only the oil.