Kelly Chiu

Okay I recently asked some questions about scews and other things, thanks for all who have helped.

I was looking underneath and found a clear, mechanical smelling fluid had leaked from the car. I know the description isn't the greatest... It appears to be near the right front, very close to the airdam. I think it might be the power steering system? The previous owner had that worked on recently.

Thanks for advice in advance

-Kelly

*Michael.*

Although I have never seen clear P/S fluid that is one of the only leakable(?) things in that area. Crank the wheel all the way to the right and then peak under the car at the P/S pump. You should be able to tell then.

DangerIsland

Washer tank, maybe the radiator, both of those could be clear, or semi-clear depending on what the PO put in there, although that it shouldn't be smelling "mechanical". Really doubt that it's PS fluid. Is it thick and oily, or thin and wattery.

Kelly Chiu

it is thick and oily... it might have a reddish tint to it.

-Kelly

Jay W

sounds like power steering fluid (actually automatic transmission fluid is used in 944 power steering systems and it is a reddish color)

SamGrant951

red would be power steering, mine used to pee red all the time until I fixed that.

DangerIsland

Yep, red is PS fluid. Welcome to the wonderful world of leaky steering systems, happens to the best of us. start by checking all the hoses and hose clamps, wipe everything off and see if you can find the source.

Dan Gallagher

could be blinker fluid, did you check the level?

Legoland951

Sounds like power steering fluid if its reddish. The oil cooler runs through there and leaks every once in a while. There is the crossover coolant pipe that may leak where hoses are attached. Of course, there is the power steering rack and pump, which is infamous due to the frequency of leaks from there. I am about to ship a couple core racks to skip at paragon instead of throwing it away due to leakage.

Travis - sflraver

If it is the rack or pump its not that big of deal. They are not to hard to fix yourself.

Waterguy

If it has a chemical/mechanical smell, probably power steering fluid (ATF). That far forward, it is probably the reservoir/hose connections or the return line/cooler loop pipes/hoses/connections.

Mike S

Actually some of the newer synthetic power steering fluids are clear. We're supposed to use ATF but it sounds like the previous owner may have put some of that clear power steering/stop leak stuff in there. I can't remember the brand...but it does come in clear.

Kelly Chiu

Thanks guys, I'll be checking that stuff out when I can get the car up. In no big hurry, haven't got the thing insured yet... still waiting for the insurance broker to get back. You would think they would be jumping through hoops to get more of your money.

-Kelly

RussRPJ

Kelly;
I noticed just last week that there was some thin liquid on my garage floor. Had a very light reddish color to it, but didn't have the consistancy of oil. Drove it onto ramps and pulled the oil pan cover to take a peek. Turned out I have a leaky water pump seal. 944s are notorius for that. The light red color is simply the newer type antifreeze in it. Don't know if 951s have this problem or not. Just a thought......