I pulled out of my driveway and discovered a puddle of transmission fluid (?) under the car - after jacking it up I traced the leak to this thing - front drivers side near the wheel (you can see the red drip). What is it and how do I fix it? (1969 Grande 2 Door Coupe)

 

Power steering fluid is also red, and would make sense based on the place you found the leak. That looks like a zerk fitting for grease though, which is odd. You sure that's the source and not just transfered to that nipple?

 

It appears to be coming out of the rear of the power streering unit, then running to that zerk which is the lowest point. Wipe the area down good, then have someone rev the engine slightly and turn the steering wheel to put pressure on the powersteering unit and see if you can spot the origin of the leak.

 

Also if I may add, if you have to replace the power steering line be certain to get a very good quality mustang replacement part and not some cheaper replacement that claims to be "universal". I went through 2 cheaper power steering lines in my '68 before finally just purchasing the proper part. If I hadn't been in a bind for getting my car up and running I would have sourced the better part first rather than getting some off the shelf garbage. That's what I get for having a '68 as a daily driver in my teens though

 

OK thanks for the replies - I just got this car yesterday and am slowing discovering all the problems


I'll head back out and try what you said

 

DO NOT USE POWER STEERING FLIUD!!! Use ATF

 

+1 good catch. I wasn't specific and it has been years since I worked on the power steering of my prior car.

I would suggest investing in a 1969 shop manual too. They are invaluable.

 

The original power steering sucks anyway. New will leak soon.

 

i removed my power steering. now, no one else wants to drive the car. lucky me.

 

would someone be able to post a photo of the engine bay and where I can locate the power steering components? I won't be able to get a manual for a few more days...

I'm contemplating just pulling out all the PS components as I have driven cars w/o PS in the past and it's not that big of a deal...



Thanks again