Oil/fluid leak - help!

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Nov 29, 2010 | 08:39 PM

jjtrokejr2005

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6th Gear

Joined: May 2010

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From: Jackson MI

Oil/fluid leak - help!

Fluid on my garage floor. May be engine oil or power steering fluid- can't tell for sure. But, I can't find a source! Any suggestions?

Nov 29, 2010 | 08:57 PM

RicK T

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Joined: Sep 2005

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From: Ventura County, Calif

Well, identifying it is the first concern. Maybe put some newspaper or cardboard under it for a night to try to pinpoint where it's actually dripping from.

Nov 29, 2010 | 09:29 PM

B y r o n

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Western Kentucky

Power steering fluid and engine oil are totally different. Look for color and smell and feel. Power steering fluid is thin and a lot of times red. Oil changes depending on new or old but is generally thicker. Time to crawl under, after it's on a jack and look around. Can't help more based on the limited info.

Nov 29, 2010 | 10:46 PM

Timothy Barth

Pro

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Stanley Virginia

It is hard to tell from what you describe,but it could also be the water pump leaking.

Nov 30, 2010 | 08:46 AM

jjtrokejr2005

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6th Gear

Joined: May 2010

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From: Jackson MI

Thanks for all the input. I did put tissue paper under the area where the fluid showed up previously last night. Checked it out this morning, and not a drop! Based upon where the fluid was on the floor versus my memory of where it was parked night before last, it was under the rear of the engine. Probably not engine oil, as it wasn't dark enough, but too far from the front of the car to be power steering fluid. Any chance it could be tranny fluid? If so, from where might it leak?

Nov 30, 2010 | 01:11 PM

Gearhead Jim

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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago

St. Jude Donor '13

Tranny is in the back on a C6, so that should be out.

Nov 30, 2010 | 08:11 PM

jjtrokejr2005

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: May 2010

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From: Jackson MI

Okay, I think I've pretty much confirmed that it is power steering fluid. Any suggestions about what to check as the specific source? I haven't been back under tonight, as don't have the time, but when I do, what should I check for? Is there any common issue I should be looking for?

Nov 30, 2010 | 08:32 PM

Paratrooper307

Racer

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Garner NC

If your car has a transmission cooler, check the lines. ATF is generally red, could be you have a loose or damaged line. All autos and z51/z06 manuals have trans cooler lines.