Hey guys need a diagnosis. Noticed red fluid leaking from the front of my mustang this morning. If I could make a guess its either tranny fluid or power steering fluid. This is my first Mustang and my first car, so Im pretty new to everything. This could go hand in hand with some noises (knocking noise, and dull clicking) Ive been hearing coming from the area around my left drivers side wheel. Sounded like it was coming from right in front of me when I was driving, and would send a vibration into my steering wheel that I could feel. Ill post up some pics of the leak.

Hopefully you can see where the leak is coming from in these two pics.

 

Looks like p/s to me

 

+1 on the p/s.

I will suggest getting rid of that sludge all over the unit to isolate the leak. Did you check the p/s fluid level? If its getting dry, this could explain the Knocking noise. Do you leak any oil as well? Its really wet under there just to be a p/s leak.

 

+1 for p/s
is the pump wet underneath?
hows the cylinder seal?

 

+1 more on the PS leak. It looks way too far forward to be a tranny leak.

How long have you owned the car, and have you added any fluid to the PS reservior?

Check two things: 1) What color fluid is in the PS reservior; 2)Does the PS dipstick say to use trans fluid. I'm asking because mine says (incorrectly) to use tranny fluid in the PS. That is what was in mine, and causing my ps control valve to leak when we bought it.

Good Luck

 

Its the p/s more than likely but it doesnt look like its coming from the p/s valve which is good b/c that is about $400. I would clean it up like others have said to try and get a better idea of where its coming from.

 

Yeah, take it to a car wash with some engine degreaser and blast the snot out if it to get it nice a clean. Then you'll be able to determine exactly where the leak is originating. Make sure your engine has cooled down some before blasting it with water, as you don't want to crack anything with a sudden temp change.

 

The PS hoses are notorious for leaking. I have yet to find a set that do not drip at least some. If anyone knows a good place to get non-leaky PS hoses, I know I would love to contact them about a set.

 

If your hoses are leaking at the connections, it is probably not the fault of the hose.
The hose flares seal against aluminum seats in the valve and cylinder. These seats are often grooved due to age, over-tightening and improper hose installation. Many rebuilts do not replace the seats, but leave the old damaged ones in place. Even new hoses won't seal against damaged seats.

If new seats are properly installed, and the hoses properly attached to them, then there should be no leaks.

 

Would it be safe to use a low powered electric powerwasher to clean all the crap out from under there.

Ive owned the car for about 5 and a half months for those asking. Ill check the PS fluid level in the morning, and clean it up and check out where its coming from. Ill try to take some pics and post back here.