HELP!!! Safe to drive to mechanic?

Michael N. Marcus · Post by **Michael N. Marcus** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:20 am

Spiderman has suddenly developed a rapid metallic tap-tap-tap sound coming from the rear end while driving (not while just idling).

While parked in my garage overnight, a pool of watery black liquid (about 4 inches in diameter) accumulates on the floor, slightly to the right of the center of the rear axle.

When I drive out of the garage, there is a trail of black droplets on the ground.

If I look underneath, I can't see anything dripping.

(1) Any instant diagnostics?

(2) Do you folks think it's safe to drive about three miles to my local repair guy, or should it go on a flat bed?

Thanks.

YeLLoWBoAt · Post by **YeLLoWBoAt** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:25 am

Personally I would not drive it. Then again I would be the one to fix it too... Most car ins/auto clubs have "road side assantance" I would use that. hell even if you don't it would be cheaper to sign up for one then it would for the tow...

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:58 am

the location of the leak would indicate the brake compensator leaking, but there shouldn't be any sound associated with that part leaking. Does the fluid seem oily to touch? Check the level in the master cylinder.
As for the tow, if there is any question that the drive may cause further (more expensive!) damage, I'd get a flatbed

Michael N. Marcus · Post by **Michael N. Marcus** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 4:54 pm

So Cal Mark wrote:the location of the leak would indicate the brake compensator leaking, but there shouldn't be any sound associated with that part leaking. Does the fluid seem oily to touch? Check the level in the master cylinder.
As for the tow, if there is any question that the drive may cause further (more expensive!) damage, I'd get a flatbed

it was finally flatbedded today, and it turned out that some teeth are missing from differential gears.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:32 pm

so you just need to reinstall some new teeth?

Michael N. Marcus · Post by **Michael N. Marcus** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 2:29 pm

So Cal Mark wrote:so you just need to reinstall some new teeth?

Other parts are dubious at this age, so it's getting a complete rear end from Danny at Fun Imported Autos and Toys, and while it's in the shop, new radiator thermostat/switch.

I've been having an overheat problem lately. The cooling system has been flushed, I replaced the main thermostat, and have a manual fan switch; but I'll feel safer with the new thermo-switch in the bottom of the radiator.