A few days ago I notice a small spot of fluid dripped from my driver side rear lift point (right by the rear driver side tire). I didn't really think too much of it, until now.

The car seams much louder in the rear, almost to where you can really tell if the car is in netural or not. Using the brake pedel, clutch, gear, speed, turning all did not effect the noise. I didn't think to try the parking brake, but I know it was off 100%. The noise sounds just like engine brakeing.

I was starting to think the parking brake is stuck on very lightly. I jacked up one rear wheel and it was difficult to turn. I also begin to look at the leaked fluid. It appears a baige white-ish and I think their are only brake lines in that area (correct?). I check the brake fluid level and it appeared full.

Is the leak related to the possiable parking brake issue? How could I test or verify?? Any help is great!!!

 

Havent seen anyone post about a parking brake issue with a TT before. This has popped up a handful of times in the A4 B5 section where it was locked into place. Think they had issues with the cable, not the fluid however

 

Any other ideas? I'm not sure on either. It may not be a leak or parking brake issue; however, it makes sence to me.

 

IIRC, you are fighting against the rear diff with only one wheel off the ground. Try raising both rears off to test your theory.

 

The noise is now as loud as the engine. I'm dropping the car off at the dealer (I have a warranty). I'm thinking wheel bearings now, but not sure whats up with the fluid leak.

 

Pretty sure the problem is a halidex bearing. I'll let you guys know for sure as soon as I am positive.

 

Parking brakes work via cable...

 

If anyone cares, it ended up being a bad bearing right before the halidex. It sounded just like a wheel bearing and it was detected by disconnecting the rear wheels to see if the noise was gone. I had it replaced for free at the dealership, so I dont really know any more.

 

Also- they are clueless on the fluid leak. They think it is coming from somewhere INSIDE the frame rail, suggesting it is traveling along a wire or cable assembly. It leaks at the driver side lift point, because there is a hole in the frame rail for the lift point rubber thing to go in. At this point I'm not too concered, because I haven't noticed any low fluid levels (just a few drops dripped). btw, the fluid had an oilly texture, but clear color.