Oil-y leak up front

[WakusPakus]

i went out to start the jetta this am after it sat for 3 days - i have a decent sized somewhat dried puddle in front of the car - the fluid is clear - i know my brake fluid is dirty as hell.....is this power steering fluid? I checked the canister and it's pretty low - what is more keen to blow out first, the pump seal(s) or the hoses? Big/Expensive fix?

[Rugrat Anklebiter]

Pump is around $160, rack is around $275, high pressure hose custom made is $80-100 or $250 for OEM. There is a by-pass part someone on here makes that turns your rack into a manual with no power steering and a belt you can buy to bypass the pump. $45 for the bypass and $20-30 for the belt. This is the cheapest method but won't help if you are leaking from the rack which is between the fire wall and rear of the engine. However, Lucas power steering leak works wonders on the leaking seals of the rack. Costs about $8 at your auto parts store.

I replaced everything personally and it feels like new!

[Rugrat Anklebiter]

Also, sounds like it is your high pressure hose near your battery tray leaking. Is that the area where the leak is puddling at?

[WakusPakus]

Also, sounds like it is your high pressure hose near your battery tray leaking. Is that the area where the leak is puddling at?

yes - it's right near my front drivers wheel - almost direct under my batt - will check this hose out tonight, i know they're pretty old - most likely original - (car is a '96)

[aphythiate]

You can get a ps pressure hose for about 30 bucks at a parts store.

It's part number 92030 in Edelmann.


LW5Z Enthusiast

[WakusPakus]

You can get a ps pressure hose for about 30 bucks at a parts store.

It's part number 92030 in Edelmann.


LW5Z Enthusiast

awesome, already found it for 35$ - thanks dude. Any other things i should check/replace? i have no noises as of yet from the pump and would like to not blow it out - have lift access this weekend.

[Sky-Fi]

Any other things i should check/replace?- have lift access this weekend.

It's never a bad idea to do the oil cooler gasket. $2 o-ring can ruin your whole day if it gets old and cracked and decides to blow out. Don't really need a lift for that though.

[WakusPakus]

It's never a bad idea to do the oil cooler gasket. $2 o-ring can ruin your whole day if it gets old and cracked and decides to blow out. Don't really need a lift for that though.

will do!! thanks for the heads up - had NO idea about this

[germancarnut51]

You can get the high pressure hose for about $20 from rockauto.com. They usually have 2-3 different brands to choose from.

I got my Edelman from them when they had some closeouts for $10.

But, power steering fluid doesn't dry up/evaporate. Are you sure what you saw is not coolant? What color is your coolant, right now? You could have a leak from the radiator, the thermofan switch, or a hose (running across the bottom of the car from the right side).

[WakusPakus]

You can get the high pressure hose for about $20 from rockauto.com. They usually have 2-3 different brands to choose from.

I got my Edelman from them when they had some closeouts for $10.

But, power steering fluid doesn't dry up/evaporate. Are you sure what you saw is not coolant? What color is your coolant, right now? You could have a leak from the radiator, the thermofan switch, or a hose (running across the bottom of the car from the right side).

it didn't dry up - it's seeped into the concrete but still able to pick up by finger.

my coolant leak was just recently repaired - that fluid is green - i've been around the block enough to know my fluids.

oil levels are good, coolant is good, trans is good, brake is good, p/s is almost dry.

the fluid (on my finger this AM) was clear.

[WakusPakus]

p/s was low, i threw some in - it's up to level now.....when i went outside to go to the gas station to get more....there were no leaks.

any ideas?

[aphythiate]

It could be your rack leaking. Take a look at the inner end boots, and if they're wet... boom, Bob's your uncle. A rack leak may leave a somewhat infrequent drip, as it may collect all around your k-frame before it drips down.

[germancarnut51]

MKIIIs use a special fluid in the power steering and automatic transmissions. You can't get the stuff at the corner gas station.

It's named Pentosin. It's clear or yellowish color. You can get it at the VW Dealer, and some VW Specialty/Aftermarket Shops.

DO NOT POUR THE NORMAL RED STUFF IN YOUR POWER STEERING SYSTEM.

[aphythiate]

MKIIIs use a special fluid in the power steering and automatic transmissions. You can't get the stuff at the corner gas station.

It's named Pentosin. It's clear or yellowish color. You can get it at the VW Dealer, and some VW Specialty/Aftermarket Shops.

DO NOT POUR THE NORMAL RED STUFF IN YOUR POWER STEERING SYSTEM.

Probably too late for that...

[WakusPakus]

Probably too late for that...

Nope. Gas station happens to be a vw shop for vw/audi parts only.


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[Rugrat Anklebiter]

Damn I got raped on the high pressure hose then.

[WakusPakus]

got up this AM, checked again, nothin.

my already repaired coolant leak is back....damn shop coulda changed out my ORIGINAL coolant hoses but NOOO.

time for those. as far as the mystery fluid....all levels normal this AM and no new leaks...will keep an eye out in the parking lot here @ work...will check steering boots this weekend on the lift.

[germancarnut51]

It's probably a really slow leak.

If the steering rack boots are leaking, the seals in the rack are shot. You can buy a seal kit and refurbish your old rack, but the seal kit would probably cost more than a used rack from a Vortex Member.

I'd recommend buying a used rack, streering racks are pretty durable parts (unless the car was abused). Before you buy a used one, pull back the boots, and check for leaks. If the boots are already torn, and there's ugly crud in there, look for another, that one's a poor candidate. Buy new boots and install before you put the rack in your car.

Check the high pressure hose from the pump to the rack, and if it's seeping or leaking anywhere, change it at the same time you change the rack.

[OddJobb]

Automatic or manual transmission? If manual, it may be you transmission output shaft seal leaking and it may be gear oil. Look to see if you have oil contamination on the drive axle.

[WakusPakus]

Automatic or manual transmission? If manual, it may be you transmission output shaft seal leaking and it may be gear oil. Look to see if you have oil contamination on the drive axle.

Yep-5speed...I'll check it in the am and let you know what I find

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[OddJobb]

The output shaft seal is on top of the transmission housing. It's where your gear shift linkage connects to the transmission (covered by a small rubber boot). Gear oil will drip down on top of the housing and onto the drive axle because they are really close together. I just wanted to clarify so your not looking at where the drive axle connects to the transmission and become confused.

[WakusPakus]

coo - thanks dude, i didn't check it this AM...didn't get up early enough...tomorrow is my late day (in the office for 10AM) so ill check and post up.

[WakusPakus]

results are in:

no more leaking as of yet.

stop and go leak i guess, or i'm losing my mind and my GF's garage leaks.

after she's on the lift ill post up again with pics and rack/boot conditions.

[WakusPakus]

well i put it on the lift last night for 5-6 hours

bled my brakes, even did my alignment

no leaks, no p/s leaks, replaced the high pres hose

rack is good, boots are good, tie rods are good

not sure what the hell that leak was, but i may never find out. oh well!

[Geno-Bob]

It's never a bad idea to do the oil cooler gasket. $2 o-ring can ruin your whole day if it gets old and cracked and decides to blow out. Don't really need a lift for that though.

That WILL ruin your day too! I had that happen to me a few months ago on my 95!

Geno-Bob

[ExpoAccel]

It's never a bad idea to do the oil cooler gasket. $2 o-ring can ruin your whole day if it gets old and cracked and decides to blow out.

Yesterday was my special day for this. Got the car home (after 4 qts) and found the leak.

[Dan J Reed]

Yesterday was my special day for this. Got the car home (after 4 qts) and found the leak.

http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed...seal/index.htm

[WakusPakus]

http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed...seal/index.htm

Just ordered the seal-thanks DJR-my turn!

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[ExpoAccel]

Replaced mine yesterday and it was not too bad except for some light rain as I did this in the driveway. My seal came with a couple of ears with holes that located the seal using the nubs on the cooler. Thanks Dan for the documentation.