Hi all,

So the other day I noticed fluid on my driveway, and sure enough, it's coming from my car. I took it to my mechanic and it looks to be coming from around/above the oil filter. The filter itself is dry. He cleaned the area and I took it in a few days later. There was a no to minimal amount of new fluid seen so he said to watch it carefully and if it worsens, then we'll pursue it farther.

Today I took a look with a flashlight. First thing I noticed was greasing behind the power steering pump, but I don't see a trail dripping down the engine. Secondly, there is fluid (can't tell how old) behind/above the oil filter. The filter itself is clean. All this fluid looks like it's "smeared" and has collected dirt vs obviously fresh, dripping fluid. I could not see any fluid on the ground or collecting around the oil pan.

All fluid levels are fine (oil, PS). Mileage is 123,000 (warranty was until 120K)

So my question is:
1) Should I use degreaser around the PS pump to see if that's the source?
2) Should I leave it alone unless it gets worse/obviously dropping fluid levels?
3)Should I just have my mechanic replace all easy O-rings (PS, VTEC, ones around oil filter)?

thanks Aazam

 

Clean the area up so so can pin point the leak.

 

1) yes, degrease around the power steering pump to rule out power steering leak. P.S. Power steering likes to leak on these cars.

3) it could possibly be the oil filter seal/gasket.

 

Ok I'll do that next weekend and see.

On an unrelated note. I've been noticing a very high freq vibration that gets worse with speed. I can feel it in the body of the car, feel it in the steering wheel (but can't really make out movement), and in the rear view mirror (things look every so slightly fuzzy until I touch the mirror). I just changed over to brand new summer tires (vibe was there before too), so it isn't the tires. Thoughts?

 

CV joint.

 

Degrease area around PS pump then check later. Try to take note of wether it's the return line(low pressure/clamped line) or the high pressure line(threaded/need a wrench to get off). The vibration sounds like suspension/steering. Need to get the front wheels up off the ground and do a thorough visual and yanking on things test to see what is moving that's not supposed to.