devongarver

Im having trouble finding where a small leak is coming from. There is an oily substance which is appearing on the outside of the steering bellow on the driver side. It was there a few weeks ago, and dripping enough to make a mark on the pavement when parked over night. It turned out the bellow had a tear in it, and there was what appeared to be some water mixed with grease leaking from inside the bellow itself. Needless to say i took it off and looked for a leak and replaced it with a new one when i found nothing. I packed new grease into the joint inside before installing the bellow. I had no oil noticeable anywhere for a few weeks, now just yesterday i noticed a mark on the pavement again. I dont see any drop in brake fluid or power steering fluid in the resevoirs. I also traced any lines going above or near the rack and pinion and i see nothing leaking. Its as if it just appears from nowhere on the driver's side of the rack and pinion and he bellow. I dont knwo what could be leaking. What is the plug that is about 1" diameter with a straight slot in it(like a screw head)?? it is wet with the substance as well. I cant distinguish the smell either. I cant tell what it is or where its coming from, but its driving me nuts!! Any ideas guys!?

MJH78

Well...I've had a leak there..mine turned out to be power steering fluid. The hydroboost is attached to the firewall there, with the master cylinder attached to it on the other side. On the outside (towards the wheel) of the hydroboost is a little black box screwed into the hydroboost with like a 22mm bolt. Mine was leaking in between this little box and the hydroboost. There's a little rubber o-ring that seals between the two and I guess mine had gone bad. Put your hand underneath that black box and the hydroboost and see if it's wet..worth a shot.

MJH78

BTW, that's power steering fluid that goes through the hydroboost..even though it's attached to the master cylinder.

35thAnni99GT

Your hydroboost system runs p/s fluid from the reservoir, to the pump, to the master cylinder, to the steering rack, and back again. It is more than likely one of the lines or fittings. Something you can try to aggravate the leak to make it easier to trace is to crank the steering wheel all the way to the lock and stomp the brake down. It puts your hydroboost system under load and it should make it easier to track the leak*.

*not responible for blown pressure fittings or lines.

devongarver

nice little liability clause there at the end. Thanks, i'll try to look a little better, but i have already checked the lines and fittings a few times. the leak just seems like friggain magic. it just appears from nowhere.