Power Steering Fluid Leak

[reemoe23]

I'm the original owner of a '95 Saturn SC1 with 176K miles. I was doing some maintenance over the summer in hopes of keeping it in top shape.

One of the things I did was change out about 12 ounces of PS fluid (using the turkey baster method). I had no problems of any leaking before, but unfortunately, I now have some drops on my garage floor (red fluid on the passenger side).

I used Valvoline MaxLife. The ironic thing is that the MaxLife contained 'stop leak.' Was that a mistake? Should I go back and use a different brand?

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

 

[Boomer]

ATF?? Saturns use a PS fluid, not ATF. That may be the problem. I always used Valvoline SemiSyn PS fluid in my wife's Saturn with no issues.

 

[Stu_Rock]

Originally Posted By: Boomer
ATF??
It sounds like he used the Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid, which is advertised as having "stop leak."

I bet the leak is more a consequence of age than of fluid type.

 

[mechtech2]

This could be simply some fluid that was spilled in the process - either from taking it out or putting it in.
See if the 'leak' continues - keep an eye on it.

Changing the fluid is a GOOD thing. it is hard to believe fresh fluid would start a leak. Did you run the car with the reservoir empty?

 

[reemoe23]

This was done probably 5 months ago. The product was Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak. I removed and replaced 3-4 ounces at a time on about three occasions over a few weeks' timeframe.

 

[mechtech2]

At this point, we don't know if it is the trans or PS that is leaking.

 

[artificialist]

Thoroughly clean the bottom of the car, and get it nice and dry.

Add fluorescent dye to the fluids, and later check underneath with a UV light.

 

[Kestas]

Like I tell my clients - first find the root cause of the problem before throwing fixes at it.

 

[mechtech2]

Also, some talcum powder or even flour can be used to trace leaks and drips.

 

[reemoe23]

I'll have to double-check the color of the MaxLife PS fluid this weekend (to make sure it is indeed red).

Assuming it's transmission fluid, where are places to check from where the leak could be originating?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Herz]

Maxlife PS fluid is a light-honey color. I use it in all my cars.

If its a ATF red, it is not Maxlife.

 

[reemoe23]

I'll bet you're right. I was thinking red because the bottle it comes in is red.

 

[mechtech2]

Lines or their fittings are the most common cause of transmission leaks.
They rust and leak, or the fittings won't seal as their 'O' rings dry. But ATF is red from PS or the transmission. You have to dive in and check.
Anyway, lines and fittings.

 

[Maritime Storm]

ATF spin on filter rusted through from not having been changed? The are literally hundreads of places it can leak ATF.

 

[reemoe23]

I verified yesterday that the MaxLife PS fluid is not red, so it looks to be transmission fluid.

I had the transmission rebuilt about 11 months ago. I've had no problems with it, but it did come with a 12 month warranty. I'll have to have them check it out and make sure the leak is nothing serious.