So then I called up the local mechanic to tell him the good news but he had mentioned a leak in the front - and I had noticed it before. I was hoping it was just the Paraffin wax I used - the Cosmoline - getting hot and dripping down. So it was leaking again - just a drop or two - each time. But the cross frame piece has more oil on it.
So I said to the local mechanic - I think it's the CV axle seal for sure is leaking. So he said he would work on it - not for a while since he is backed up in work. So then I went to check it again - since it's hard to crawl under the car by the wheel. This time I went from the front side and after I pulled the car into the sun. And amazingly the CV axle seal is not leaking but it definitely looks like the Rack and Pinion is leaking - so it would be power steering fluid.
So I checked the power steering fluid cold - and the dipstick was dry. So then I idled the car for five minutes to get a hot reading and it was STILL dry but I could see the power steering lower down in the fill tank. So then I turned the wheels right and left - locking both times and I could heal a squeal.
A whining or squealing noise when the wheels turn can be an indication that the power steering fluid is low.https://www.beierlaw.com/blog/signs-power-steering-going-bad/
I haven't noticed it hard to turn low and the leak is just a drop onto the garage floor - after driving it. So it must be a slow leak.
When your leak is due to a small crack in a hose, for example, if the crack gets bigger, you can quickly lose all your fluid in a short time.https://barsleaks.com/power-steering/can-still-drive-my-car-with-a-power-steering-leak/
I guess we've gotten lucky - the power steering pump and lines were replaced four years ago....
If it seems like it’s [squealing noise] coming from the hood of your vehicle, it’s a sign of a failing power steering pump causing the belt to slip.I haven't noticed much squealing noise - hopefully the pump is still good.
the power steering pump could be leaking from a crack in the pump housing or reservoir. A red or red-brown puddle beneath your car points toward the power steering pump.I can see the power steering fluid is red but the leak color is not red. Strange.
https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-power-steering-pressure-switch
haven't noticed any of those symptoms either.
There are 2 lines, pressure line from pump to rack and return line (much lower pressure, sometimes uses rubber hose for part of it) back to pump.https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-miracle-in-a-bottle/104401/4
The pressure line is usually shorter and less expensive. The return line can be very long because of a “cooler” section that is located behind radiator, so it runs from behind engine to the front of vehicle, across the front, and back down the other side to the pump.
Access (for line replacement, depending on which line) is very difficult on some cars and is labor intensive.
could be a "pin hole" leak in one of the power steering lines - under the rubber grommet?
It looks like the "rack seal" itself is leaking though!!
First weak point is down by rack you mentioned. Second is on left strut tower. Some fool designed the mounts with a 4" section of rubber that completely encapsulates the lines and traps moisture.
I think it might be the "inner seal" at 18 and 19 in above image....
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