I agree - that's a first.
There must be a seal that's gone bad inside the rack that is allowing the fluid to pool in the boot - and from there it's shooting out a pin-size hole.
Is the rack on a Patriot mounted similarly to a Liberty? In other words, can it be pulled out the wheel well to R&R?
Bob
As far as I can tell, it might be a little bit too far back to pull out the wheel well. It seems to be on the rear of the engine cradle. It looks like you might actually just be able to unbolt the sway bar, unbolt the rack, then slide it right off.
I was surprised when I was under there to find that there were quite a few things that are actually EASIER to replace on a Patriot. Oil pan and gasket being one of them - Everything is accessible from the bottom and would drop straight down. Easy peasy.
I wonder what could have caused this. Was it a coincidence that this happened RIGHT after replacing the alternator, 2 idlers, and tensioner??? Could the tow that she had have done something??!
