After running some errands on one of our recent 90-degree days, I later noticed a pool of fluid about a foot in diameter just behind the right rear wheel of my 2005 Bonneville. It wasn't gasoline nor brake fluid. Today, the guy at the garage looked at it and said it was a leaking shock absorber and could replace both rear shocks for $410. Does this sound like a likely scenario? I haven't noticed any handling changes, and it acts alright when doing the hand bounce test.

Take it to a second shop for another opinion. DO NOT tell the next shop what the previous shop said. Just tell them that the rear end feels funny going over bumps. They will automatically inspect the entire rear end including the shocks and should tell you whats wrong.

Have you noticed the compressor for the rear shocks running almost continually? If not, double check the fluid level in your master cylinder, sounds like way to much of a fluid leak to be a shock.

2004 SLE
71 Chevelle SS (original owner & old fart)

Sounds like too much fluid to be a bad shock. The only fluids I can think of in that area are water from the right rear sunroof drain tube (empties into the front of the rear wheel well, hidden behind the wheel liner) or brake fluid. Or, could be something you drove though that dripped off the car when you parked.

I agree with Mike'* suggestion to take it to a second shop.

Referring to a couple of comments, the compressor has been running normally, for a few seconds just after starting the car. And the leaking fluid was very thin, leaked just so much and then stop, evaporate, leaving discolored pavement. Yesterday, I had time to back the car up on a set of ramps to have a look around and found evidence of leakage on the right shock absorber. So, today the garage replaced them both in about fifty minutes. Final price: $364.41.