My car just started leaking what I think is power steering fluid. Its red and is dripping down the passenger side wheel well. I also noticed that the majority of the passenger side of the engine bay is covered in red fluid as well. Do you guys think my power steering pump went, or did a hose just get loose. O and BTW where is the power steering pump located (I have an '89 GXE).
Thanks

 

Why don't you spend some time and trace the leak? If the pump is gone you will notice it in slow moving situations. But the the fluid cools the pump. So if you lost a lot of fluid while the car was in use. Your pump may have been damaged.

ZuM

 

One of the high pressure hoses from the pump has developed a crack. Wipe everything down, refill the resevoir, start the car and then see where the fluid is coming from. If everything has ben drenched in fluid, you may need new external drive belts. All hoses deterioate with time and this is not uncommon with cars this old.

 

Red fluid?...I think that might be transmission fluid! If so, you could have a serious problem on your hands and you should get it checked out. My 1992 GXE (when I had it) was leaking this, but it turned out to be just a loose hose.

-Nick

 

Thanks for all the tips guys, it was just a cracked hose, the pump is still ok.

 

red means its tranny fluid .. have fun...

 

Remember that if your steering pump goes, you will lose your power steering.

 

Power steering fluid is ATF. So, if it were leaking, it would be red.

 

The red stuff is Dexron Mercon III.
It is used often in trannys and steering pumps.
It can also be used in the gas tank as fuel additive.
More common with Diesel engines anyway.

 

i'd just thought i'd give you guys an update. After I replaced the high pressure side hose the steering rack started to leak so I took it down to my mechanic who said it needed a new rack and without replacing that my car wouldn't pass inspection. My mechanic wants to charge me $600 for the new rack including labor is this a good price? BTW: The tranny wasn't leaking, and the tranny fluid was at the right level so I guess it's ok....for now.
Thanks for your help