2002 Q45 fan fluid leak - common causes?

[HollywoodJackson]

Question for the experienced Infiniti mechanics...

What were the most common causes for fan fluid leaks... Hoses? Pump housing?

I have a fan fluid leak now. It doesn't seem to leak when the AC is running. After I park and turn off the engine, is when it seems to leak out. I won't have time to investigate until the weekend. Any clues?

Thanks in advance,
~HollywoodJackson~

[elwesso]

Can you be a little more specific where this is coming from? I assume you're talking about coolant? My guess is if it's leaking around the front of the engine like you describe it's probably the water pump.

[HollywoodJackson]

Thanks for replying elwesso...

It's the fan pump fluid for sure. I'm thinking (and hoping) it's leaking from one of the hoses. It could be leaking from the fan motor, or the water/fan fluid pump as well. I will nail it down in a few days exactly where it's leaking from. It is leaking from somewhere up front though. That fluid doesn't go anywhere else, unless you have a really serious cracked block!

~HollywoodJackson~

[EdBwoy]

Yeah, the early vk45de cooling fan is run by hydraulic fluid (transmission fluid).
I can't immediately find the thread I saw this in, but someone had an issue with the water pump. The coolant was fine, but ATF leaked from the pump housing down the hoses. Just a pointer for you.

[Q451990]

It's an unusual setup for sure... From what I can tell the water pump is a dual purpose water and hydraulic pump with it's own reservoir. I'd sure like to know the thinking behind the setup - it seems to add a lot of complexity to the cooling system vs. a clutch.

[HollywoodJackson]

It's an unusual setup for sure... From what I can tell the water pump is a dual purpose water and hydraulic pump with it's own reservoir. I'd sure like to know the thinking behind the setup - it seems to add a lot of complexity to the cooling system vs. a clutch.

I've read on this forum that the fan is ran by hydraulics, to preserve horsepower. The system seems to work very well, when it's trouble free. I like it. Now though, I have to deal with it!

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~

[HollywoodJackson]

I took my Q to Van Nuys Infiniti today, to find out exactly where the leak was coming from. They told me I should replace the pump, gasket, and hoses (and the belts). $425 in parts, $125 in labor for the diagnostic.

Labor was going to another $750 (fleet price). So, I purchased the parts and told them I would be doing the deed myself. I don't doubt, when I get the parts off, one of the hoses will have a big hole in it, and be the full cause of the leak. Maybe now. I wouldn't even be mad or surprised that they sold me all of the parts. It's business.

Can anyone give me any tips/pointers that will help with the job?

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~

[HollywoodJackson]

It's been a few weeks now since I've replaced the water pump. First time performing this particular job. It took less than 3 hours. I replaced the pump, and the serpentine belt. I took the other $150 worth of parts I didn't need, back to the dealer. Been running perfectly since. Not a drop of fluid leaking. Fan works perfect.

Might I add, the dealership charged me $155 for the diagnostic. I asked them specifically, "can you tell me where the fan fluid is leaking from, please?" They then performed the full diagnostic, and sold me both belts, the water pump, a water pump gasket, and the feed hose to the fan motor. When I replaced the pump, I noticed that there was no way the dealership mechanic checked to see where the fluid was leaking from. So, they just sold me every part. Bastards!

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~