I have had a small puddle on the deck under my truck for a few weeks now. Every morning, another small spot. I took a look underneath and there was a drop of the liquid (appeared to be steering fluid) dripping off of the oil pan drivers side behind the ECM. That and the steering has gotten funky at slow speeds, easy to turn then hard then easy. So I take it in, they check fluid, it is too high, and report they can't find a leak of any kind. I asked if they had driven it, and apparently they hadn't cause when the manager got in and turned the wheel, he noticed the wacky assist. So I guess I'll leave it overnight so they can see the drip, but does anyone have any ideas what it might be? The puddle is directly underneath the pitman bushing. Oh, and it must leak when I drive because the front pumpkin is black with grease...
Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds like the steering gearbox. You need a new one.

Edited: Wooh, is it a 4x4 or a 2wd? If 2wd then it is probably the pump or brake booster.

 

Spooler...thanks for the reply man. I picked it up today and they wanted me to bring it in when it was leaking..So I am going to take a picture and put a little glass down so it can collect the fluid. Maybe they can send it to the CSI crime lab for analysis....I think it is the gearbox as well. It is a 4wd time to put my sig on!

 

What year truck is this? I have seen many times where the vent in the p/s resevoir cap gets plugged and the pressure just pushes out elsewhere. The p/s fluid is red. The CP3 injection pumps do leak and when it mixes with dirt or grease it looks wet along the oil pan rail. Leave out a piece of plastic large enough to cover the dripping area. Then supply the samples to the dealer. Also looking at the pumpkin it could be all of these, plus a front pinion seal. The oil will creep along the case and look alot worse than it is. As far as the steering, especially on 4WD, at low speeds it is turning against alot of weight. Does it flucuate at town or highway speeds? Get a couple of cans of a good brake cleaner that evaporates fully and wash away any and all residue of any leak then check back in a week. If it's a problem, the drips or puddles will be back. If it's just long term seepage, then you'll be told it's normal.

Chris

 

My vent to the p/s pump was pressured, causing the pump to leak. Cleaned the cap by taking it apart. Stopped leaking!

Most dealers and techs seem to be not that interested unless it is there car leaking.

 

I went out this morning and there was another small puddle....I took a look from below and realized the puddle was directly below the cp3. I can't smell crap (allergies) so I am going to take the advice above and put a pan down to collect the drip. Thanks for the replies dudes. The truck is a 06 btw.
Jim

 

My CP3 did that this winter. Since it was covered I let the dealer take care of it. Problem is, that it will more than likely come back this winter. IIRC it's something to do with the two different metals that make up the case. Temperature changes cause the seals to leak. Definately do the brake cleaner thing to dry things up and make the leak more noticable. Even if you can't smell (allergies) anyone should be able to smell an odd aroma coming from your truck.

Chris