PS Fluid Low-No Leaks?

[Striker]

Hey guys,

Checked out the level on the dipstick to my PS fluid reservoir and it was on the "add" mark.

The car doesn't get driven much at all, it's been sitting since September and wont come out till spring so my guess is that maybe everything's really settled down with no starts, etc.

The only thing that i found under the car when looking for leaks was some sort of a fluid on the bottom of my K member (subframe)but again, I couldn't identify the fluid by color or smell (it wasn't red)

Does PS fluid evaporate?

 

[LargeCarManX2]

I would think most lube products will lose some volume through evaporation...good question!

 

[gomes512]

Slow seepage? The dye in the oil will lose its red color when out in the open for extended periods.

Had this happen on my truck that sits for long periods. Fluid looked very slight orange when it was on the control arms. Looked nothing like the original ATF+4 in the reservoir.

 

[Striker]

Is it corrosive like brake fluid? Will it destroy my paint on the under carriage? It's my summer toy.....

 

[gomes512]

Well in my truck the control arm connects to a portion of the unibody which is painted just like the exterior.

After I replaced the seeping hose I wiped that painted portion down and did not see any damage to the paint.

No experience with other ATF's on painted surfaces though.

 

[Striker]

The car has 24K miles, it's gotta be all the sitting it does :S

 

[BearZDefect]

I would not worry about PSF, ATF, or engine oil on automotive paint. But I am concerned about such oils on rubber bushings, I have that very problem now, waiting for a fix opportunity. I wonder if oil on a control arm bushing for less than a year would ruin it.

 

[artificialist]

ATF, PSF, and engine oil can destroy a control arm bushing if it is leaked on for one year.

Here is my suspicion: PSF is leaking out the rack ends, and ending up in the P/S rack bellows boots. cut the zip tie that holds the bellows boot on, peel it back, and look for fluid. Repeat for the other side of the vehicle. Next install new zip ties on the bellows boots.