Coolant Leak HELP!

**02A4Turbo.** · 09-11-2008 11:44 AM

So my car is now leaking coolant pretty bad.. i woke up this morning to a basketball sized puddle on the passenger side dripping from where the belly pan meets with the lower bumper.. im trying to figure out where it is coming from.. opening the hood i see residue of coolant when i look down at what would be the bottom left side of the radiator if im facing the car obviously.. i was hoping that someone would have an idea of where it could be coming from.. thanks

**02A4Turbo.** · 09-11-2008 05:11 PM

Anybody with a clue??

**old guy** · 09-11-2008 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by 02A4Turbo.

Anybody with a clue??

All of the hoses connect to the driver side of the radiator. It sounds like you are experiencing a leak between the radiator end cap and core. Unfortunately this is not an uncommon problem. The good news is that the cost of a new radiator isn't too bad: Clicky click

**02A4Turbo.** · 09-11-2008 06:35 PM

So basically you think i need a new radiator?

**02A4Turbo.** · 09-11-2008 06:39 PM

I mean i see white residue spots/spatter all over the place on the passenger side mainly underneath where the TIP is and in front of the turbo itself.. i guess somehow the fan right in front of all that blows it all back and sprays it everywhere.. it eventually drips onto the ground through one of the body clips that hold the belly pan thing to the lower front bumper and is how i got the huge puddle this morning

**old guy** · 09-11-2008 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by 02A4Turbo.

So basically you think i need a new radiator?

I recommend getting the system pressure tested to see if the radiator is leaking. From where you described the leak to be, that would be my guess.

Good luck!

**02A4Turbo.** · 09-11-2008 06:46 PM

Alright ill have to do that then.. do you know if there is any kind of DIY to pressure test the system? as dumb as that may sound lol.. just cuz i know if i take it to the dealership im gunna get ripped off.. thanks for your help by the way

**old guy** · 09-11-2008 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by 02A4Turbo.

Alright ill have to do that then.. do you know if there is any kind of DIY to pressure test the system? as dumb as that may sound lol.. just cuz i know if i take it to the dealership im gunna get ripped off.. thanks for your help by the way

As bad as your leak sounds you can probably find it yourself. Put your car up on ramps and remove the belly pan. Fill your coolant system (cold) to the max or slightly higher and then let it idle until up to full temperature. As the coolant expands you should be able to see where it is leaking from. Pay close attention to where the plastic radiator end cap connects to the aluminum core.

Again, Good luck!

Edit: You could also call AutoZone to see if they rent a radiator pressure tester. I have rented (free actually, deposit is refunded when the tool is returned) numerous different tools from AutoZone over the past few years.