DOT3 RED a power steering leak tracer?

[NightFlight]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if the red DOT 3 power steering fluid would show as a RED oil deposit if there is a leak from the steering rack seals or power steering pump?

That is opposed to BLACK sump oil that may drip on to the steering rack.

Edited December 5, 2009 by NightFlight

[Hiro]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if the red DOT 3 power steering fluid would show as a RED oil deposit if there is a leak from the steering rack seals or power steering pump?

That is opposed to BLACK sump oil that may drip on to the steering rack.

Yes, power steering fluid leaks will be a dark red colour (kind of like port or sherry, but don't drink it :P )

[NightFlight]

Yes, power steering fluid leaks will be a dark red colour (kind of like port or sherry, but don't drink it :P )

So do you think the red marker fluid should be visible on the rack to concertina area (here shown in the pic) if there was a rack seal leak or even a power steering pump leak?

Just black oil is evident, a portion is wiped off by finger near the middle area.

Other indicators that there isn't a power steering DOT3 leak problem are 1) no stains of any kind on the garage floor and 2) no drop in the power steering fluid level since the car was bought one year ago.

Model is Toyota Corolla 1991, 4AFE engine.

Edited December 6, 2009 by NightFlight

[Hiro]

Yes, power steering fluid leaks will be a dark red colour (kind of like port or sherry, but don't drink it :P )

So do you think the red marker fluid should be visible on the rack to concertina area (here shown in the pic) if there was a rack seal leak or even a power steering pump leak?

Just black oil is evident, a portion is wiped off by finger near the middle area.

Other indicators that there isn't a power steering DOT3 leak problem are 1) no stains of any kind on the garage floor and 2) no drop in the power steering fluid level since the car was bought one year ago.

Model is Toyota Corolla 1991, 4AFE engine.

If you're still uncertain about the colour, take the power-steering reservoir cap off and look at the colour of the fluid - it will be noticeably red and any leak will have that same distinct colour (PS fluid doesn't turn black like normal engine oil).

If there is black oil turning up here, then I'd say you've got an engine oil leak from higher up, quite likely from the back of the cam-cover.

[NightFlight]

OK, thanks for that Hiro.

It's possible my mech has been telling me fibs (and very expensive ones too)....

Anyway I'm getting a hands on 2nd opinion soon.