EsLexusEs3

Ive noticed a leak (a pretty bad one). Its on the passenger side of the car, under the hood of course. Does anyone know what would be leaking or could be leaking from that area Pefect question for a DIY lexus 96 owner. Thanks.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Well, what color is it? WHERE is it leaking? Pass side could be PS Fluid, Oil, Coolant.

Under the hood, TOP of engine you mean? And there is nothing on the ground?

EsLexusEs3

The color is amber. But i dont think its oil, as its watery. I believe PS fluid would be on the left side (drivers side) so it could not be that. Oil maybe doubt it, coolant prolly. The leak is on the right side(passenger side) middle. And yes there is fluid on the ground, a steady leak.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Can you snap a picture? With a picture we may be able to pinpoint issue in seconds.

mtnman82

If you've got a pretty bad leak, one of the fluid levels should need topping off badly - easy way to tell which system has the problem. PS reservoir is on the passenger side, as is the coolant reservoir and the 'front' of the engine. Could be coolant from the hoses/reservoir/water pump; or engine oil from a seal that's gone bad; or PS fluid from the PS pump/hoses. If the fluid is sticky/watery then it's coolant. If it's oily feeling then it's either PS fluid or engine oil - if it feels 'thin' it's probably PS fluid, if it feels thick it's engine oil.

I recently bought a '96 w/175k miles that had a major leak under the passenger side. It was a PS leak from both high pressure hoses. I got the hoses from Autozone (<$150) and paid an indy mechanic $140 to install. The mechanic realized he mis-quoted me after the install, as one of the HP hoses runs all the way around the engine compartment to the radiator fan (they use PS fluid to drive the fan), so it might be a bit more for the install. I started a thread on it and drew up a pic of the PS fluid routing if you're interested.

EsLexusEs3

Thanks a lot. And ill check that out.