Had a fender bender -- questions

I think typically the drill is insurer first, then body shop, likely approved by the insurer. The body shop may communicate with a dealership, either to get parts, or for some specific mechanical issue. The body shop may also pass some of the repair off to a third party, say someone specializing in suspension repair, or something like machining a mag, or glas replacement. Some Toyota dealerships have body shops, also, but I don't think they need be your exclusive choice.

 

That'll buff right out!

Don't go through the dealership. Call your insurance agent pronto. Good luck.

 

Are you seeing a pic? I'm at work, could be some filter is hiding his link?

 

There's a pic indeed Mendel. In case you wanted to see it here's the link:
[ame]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/coalesce99/IMG-20110529-000321.jpg[/ame]

 

If you are going through insurance, and there is ANY sign that the coolant thermos was damaged, insist that it be replaced.

 

I would say it is likely that the coolant canister was damaged. This is part of the engine cooling system.

The body shop likely will not be competent to replace the coolant canister because a special process is required to run the coolant heat recovery system pump when filling it. Hence I suggest that the OP should ensure that the repair estimate includes outsourcing that piece of the repair process to a local Toyota dealer.

 

Three possible fluid sources that might be leaking on the left front brake rotor:

1. Left front strut is leaking strut hydraulic fluid
2. Left front flexible brake hose is leaking brake fluid
3. Coolant heat recovery canister is leaking engine coolant

If the fluid has a yellowish oily color then it is 1 or 2. If the fluid feels weird when you touch it (like it is sucking moisture out of your skin) then it is 2. Brake fluid is hydrophilic and absorbs water. It also will damage paint.

If the fluid is pink then it is engine coolant.

 

Have you had professional evaluation yet?