Steering Column leak

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Jan 24, 2010 | 10:34 AM

dominic9

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From: Jersey Shore

Steering Column leak

I bought my '03 Vert about a month ago. It's a one owner clean car with 51K miles. Clean carfax and all service records. No issues with the car. The previous owner did not have the CLB recall installed (a good thing) so I ordered a CLB bypass kit. I was insalling the CLB bypass yesterday and noticed this at the base of the steering column....

I looked a little closer and felt it with my fingers.

It's defintely an oil leak and no real smell to it...

The car has a GMPP, but before I bring it in for service, I'd love to hear from the CF forum experts so that I can sound a little more intelligent when describing to the service manager.

thanks in advance.....

Jan 24, 2010 | 11:09 AM

TEXHAWK0

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From: Longview Texas

Did you check closely to make sure the fluid was not running down from the brake or clutch?

Jan 24, 2010 | 11:52 AM

dominic9

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From: Jersey Shore

No...but in retrospect, that makes sense and I should have. Unfortunately, my back went out on me during the CLB Bypass installation. I guess that would make more sense.

What's up there near the pedals that could leak?

Last edited by dominic9; Jan 24, 2010 at 11:58 AM. Reason: added pic.....

Jan 26, 2010 | 08:03 AM

dominic9

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From: Jersey Shore

Just wanted to bump this up as I plan to look under the dash this week as my back begins to heal. Any tips on where and/or what I should be looking for under the dash for the source of this leak? Does brake fluid or clutch fluid even have a way of making it's way into the footwell area?

thanks again....

Jan 26, 2010 | 08:58 AM

lucky131969

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From: Dyer, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by dominic9

I'd love to hear from the CF forum experts so that I can sound a little more intelligent when describing to the service manager.

I thin you're safe on this one...

It's not like you are bringing the car in with a mystery noise or intermittent problem. This is visual.

Aug 10, 2011 | 02:37 PM

10.5Vette

Burning Brakes

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From: Dorr MI

Anybody ever come up with an answer to what this is? I just did a hyper flash harness in mine and was putting the knee bolster back in when I noticed it. Mine isn't as bad as the one in the pic, just a drop hanging there. Too thick to be brake fluid. Read another post where it might have something to do with the lube for the power telescoping wheel, but there was no follow up on that post, so I thought I'd bring this one to the top and see if there is an answer.

Aug 10, 2011 | 03:06 PM

Bill Curlee

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From: Anthony TX

CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet

St. Jude Donor '08

Unless someone injected some LUBE into the column to get rid of the column squeal that some cars have,,, there should NOT be anything INSIDE the column that would leak. I would wipe it down and see if it comes back. What color is it when you put it on a white paper towel?

Aug 10, 2011 | 03:47 PM

10.5Vette

Burning Brakes

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From: Dorr MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee

It's clear, yellowish, kinda like fresh motor oil. But very heavy, like machine oil. I cleaned it and going to see if it comes back.
One thing that came to my mind. I worked for GM for 30 years and I know some bare metal parts were stored with a oil film or coating to keep them from rusting. I'm hoping maybe it's just the oil that was left on the steering shaft when it was machined or stored.
I will post if it comes back or doesn't. My car is a 99, just turned 61K and there was just a couple of drops hanging there, the carpet underneath of the "leak" is dry.

EDIT: Just went out and looked at it again, ran my fingers around the area where I could reach it and there is an oil residue there, which makes me think it might be left over machining oil or some sort of oil put on it before assembly and sitting at that angle, it just kind of ran to the lowest spot. At least I like this explanation.

Last edited by 10.5Vette; Aug 10, 2011 at 04:00 PM.