Fluid leaking around steering column?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 39
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Fluid leaking around steering column?
2000 C5. While working under the dash I noticed fluid dripping around the base of the steering column where it passes through the firewall. I have a bit of an issue with color so I grabbed a sample and asked the wife what color it was. She says green. Also, I'm running global antifreeze. I'm quite sure the heater core is on the passenger side. So, I'm a bit baffled as to what this can be. I don't think it is brake fluid but you never know. The brake pedal plunger is dry. It is difficult to tell if it is antifreeze or some sort of oil as they have the same texture and feel. Any ideas? Is there any engine coolant passing through the driver side that would drip down on the steering column?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Actually your heater core sits right in the middle of the dash however I doubt what your seeing is coolant.
If your heater core leaks it leaks out on the passenger side by design, what you may be seeing is melted lube from inside the column itself.
If your heater core leaks it leaks out on the passenger side by design, what you may be seeing is melted lube from inside the column itself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
You might show your wife the various fluids for the car and see if she can make a match. It seems odd that it would be coolant in that area but anything is possible. Anything wet under the hood or drips on the garage floor?
Is your car an auto or manual? My friend had a leak from her clutch MC which leaked into the footwell. I'm guessing auto since you stated you looked at the brake pedal plunger.
Good thought on the lube for the column. Do you have telescopic column?
Is your car an auto or manual? My friend had a leak from her clutch MC which leaked into the footwell. I'm guessing auto since you stated you looked at the brake pedal plunger.
Good thought on the lube for the column. Do you have telescopic column?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 39
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corvettebob, interesting point. It has been much warmer than normal and the garage is certainly quite warm. I'll be honest, I don't know how long the fluid has been there. The fluid makes no sense to me either as I assumed no coolant is "in the area". The only thing above it is the HUD. I greatly appreciate the responses. I have a picture but don't see the icon to post it!
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 458
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From: The Great Northwest
St. Jude Donor '13
Although the SWPS is indeed in the picture (light green and white piece), there is no fluid in the SWPS. It is an electronic part and if there is fluid in it, there is definitely a problem of some kind but not because it is "leaking".
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
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It is a telescoping steering column but I would have to agree that there would be no fluid in the SWPS! ***, what makes you think it is the SWPS? What was the cost of replacement?
Last edited by 71blackbird; Sep 8, 2013 at 09:36 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 84
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From: San Antonio Texas
I understand there is no fluid in the sensor. Mine was replaced because the active handling would engage at highway speeds while in a straight line. Mine looked just like yours. The tech told me there is grease inside the sensor. No one needs to tell me there is or is not fluid or grease or anything else in the sensor. I'm not a tech. I don't know if there is anything in there or not. I do know, from personally viewing my old sensor, there was something coming out of it. It ran down the firewall and looked just like yours. I no longer have the "whatever it is" on the firewall and the active handling is fixed. The cost was $700
Last edited by coxjajb; Sep 9, 2013 at 08:56 PM.