2005 Chevy Tahoe possible power steering leak

Tiny
SKUNKBURGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 47,000 MILES
I have a small (3-5 drops) fluid leak under the right front of the motor. The fluid is NOT engine oil or trans fluid. It is clear with maybe a very slight tinge of red/brown and has no odor. This has been going on for several weeks, I checked all fluid levels to see which is diminishing, but none are getting lower.

This leak does not appear for several minutes to several hours after the vehicle has been parked. The engine is very clean and there is no sign of the leak when viewed from the top. Underneath there is a visible moist area at the right front corner of the oil pan (this is NOT engine oil, it's clear).

To add to the mystery, it happens intermittently. Sometimes not for days, sometimes several days in a row. Usually a very small amount until today.

My wife drove 5 miles last night, and there was about a teaspoon's worth on the cement this morning. Then we drove 17 miles this morning and two hours later, there is no sign of a leak.

My closest guess is power sterring fluid (due to lack of odor and color). The fluid level is fine, there is no noise, grinding or whining when steering or any degredation of steering performance.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 AT 2:10 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
Might be A/C compressor oil. PAG oil colorless and odorless. Compressor on right front bolted on very near oil pan. Check it out let me know
Thanks for donate
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Sunday, December 27th, 2009 AT 2:35 PM
Tiny
SKUNKBURGER
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I will check. Thx for the fast response!
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Sunday, December 27th, 2009 AT 3:16 PM
Tiny
SKUNKBURGER
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I will check. Thx for the fast response![/Quote:e7214eaca1]

.
I am having trouble finding the source of the leak. If it IS the a/c compressor, and it is out of oil, the pulley on the serpentine will still rotate freely right?

I shouldn't have any issues until I try and engage the a/c compressor (turning on the a/c) if I understand it correctly.

I guess what I am saying is a bad or failing compressor won't affect the pulley during operation if the s/c is kept off?

I am due to drive about 500 miles in a few days.
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Monday, December 28th, 2009 AT 10:48 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Pully not effected try A/C now see if it operates normally. If not do not use defrost because that engages A/C comp.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 AT 8:54 AM

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