oil/power steering leak ?

[stuey88]

hello i have a 2002 volvo c70 coupe 2.0 turbo ive noticed that i seem to have an oil or power steering leak that only seems to show itself when raining as i notice a few blobs on drive , im not sure if its engine oil or power steering fluid. as its raining it does stain like a rainbow colour but this washes away after a few hours. my question is does power steering act like oil when mixed with water and stains like a rainbow? the fluid looks like a light - mid bown colour which then around the edges looks like a rainbow.

[stuey88]

i have stuck my fingers in it and tasted it (Yuk i know) it doesnt taste or smell of engine oil tastes it does have an odd smell and has a strong taste, it has a very smooth texture

[Jas16]

Can't answer directly, but is your power steering fluid level low? and engine oil?

[stuey88]

engine level seems fine on dip stick , power steering about 2cm too low on cold level but doesnt seem low enough to warrant the amount of fluid thats been leaked. can power steering fluid act like normal engine oil and stain and go like a rainbow colour when mixed with water ? i allways thought it was only engine oil that could do that

[Thanatos]

It could be coolent as that can do the rainbow effect In water are you loosing any coolent

[tdidave]

I think I'd be inclined to top up all fluids and keep a very close eye on their levels.

As for the multi-coloured rainbow effect oil has on wet ground, it barely takes a minute drop to make it look like a lot of oil has leaked. Re - steering fluid, (someone correct me if I'm wrong) I think you'll find its akin to hydraulic oil/fluid. Depending on the manufacturer, some smell very sweet.

Good luck with finding your leak though, they are damned annoying... Dave

[Thanatos]

Also what colour is your power steering as the 2002 should have light green pentosin and not red atf fluid

[stuey88]

cheers guys ive topped up all fluids and wiped off all oil underneathand by engine.waiting to see what and where any more oil comes from to locate it

[stuey88]

power steering is green thats what i used totop it off with but does look a bit dark in colour inside tank

[Jas16]

the power steering fluid difference is nothing to be worried about yet. I brought a bottle and its green and the colour of old fluid isnt so green, a change is in order, but will do soon enough. By the way, I hada power steering leak by the jubilee clip by the belt where the fluid exits the resevour and goes to the pump. just tightened the clip cleaned it up with degreaser and all seems well for the moment, fingers crossed