Leaking AC/Delco Battery...

[TX-TahoeLtd]

So, I've been noticing this little orangeish looking stain on my driveway coming from the right front of the truck. I have a pretty decent incline on my driveway that I park in every night.

 

I looked under the truck and I found a bunch of corrosion on the right front swaybar so I popped the hood an investigated further. It appears that the bottom of the battery might be leaking and there is some acid build up on the tray and it's eaten off some of the paint on the inner wheel well. It's also gotten on some of my hoses (not sure what it's to yet though).

 

So, aside from replacing the battery and cleaning up the crap, I've got 2 questions.

 

Would parking on an incline cause something like this?

Should I replace the hose as well, or just clean it? Doesn't look like any damage has been done to the hose. My guess is yes.

 

The battery is not bulging and my voltage meter seems dead on normal. Just about 1/2 of the actual meter needle is above dead center on the voltage guage. I run nothing custom off the battery (except the onstar phone that came with the truck, but it's never been used).

 

Side question:

 

I've also seen a few drips of oil coming from the bottom of the truck, I think it is coming from the back side of the oil pan.

 

Would parking on an incline cause something like this too?

[Shaners]

Parking on an incline shouldn't cause your problems. The Delco batterries have been prone to problems and they aren't very good IMO.

[westex39]

AC Delco batteries have had this problem for sometime now. Mostly leaking around the positive post. If you have to buy a new battery you might consider a gel cell battery by Optima or Interstate. These batteries don't leak. They are kind of pricey at about $140.00.

 

Lots of luck

[Black02Silverado]

Our battery in our 98 Suburban leaked. At least the warranty paid for a new one and a cable as well. I would go with a different brand, I have always had good luck with the AutoZone batteries in my 65 Impala. Just can't put out the cash for an Optima although it would be nice.

[100R1]

I hate GM's side post battery design !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

This is my biggest complaint about GM products. I have never had a battery leak in in other vehicle other than a GM with side post battery (flooded acid type)

 

My 01 yukon leaked at the + post (as typical), I purchased a sears diehard gold. Not because they are the best. Only because there are sears stores auto centers every where and no hassel about replacement, how many months left etc .

 

The way I look at batterys is this: You don't Own them you only rent them till they go bad, Then you take it back and exchange it.

[AirForceAngler]

AC Delco batteries have had this problem for sometime now. Mostly leaking around the positive post. If you have to buy a new battery you might consider a gel cell battery by Optima or Interstate. These batteries don't leak. They are kind of pricey at about $140.00.

 

Lots of luck

What he said. If it is indeed leaking from the + post, replace it as soon as you can. I noticed the + post leaking on one of my trucks. I went to tighten it and as soon as I touched it with a wrench, the post broke off. Left me waiting till the wife got home so I could get a ride to get a new battery.