Hydraulic Steering Fluid Leak?

[eyepatrol]

The other day while motoring around at a good clip, I noticed a fluid dripping pretty steadily from under the console. It was coming from the steering column where it runs under the console.

The fluid was clear in color, had a slick/greesy feel to it, but had no smell.

Can anyone tell me if I'm leaking hydraulic steering fluid?

BTW....it only happened when I would really start to open up the throttle. At 1/2 throttle running 3000rpms or so, there was no leak. Much beyond that, I noticed the fluid dripping out. The motor still turns fine with no "dead spots"....it turns with the wheel like before. And, I noticed the fluid dripping while not making turns too. Hope this info is helpful.

[iffy]

Yes, Thats what is dripping. Steering fluid. Look under there and see if one of the lines is loose. If so tighten it up. If its leaking around the shaft, your unit will need a seal. Your engine RPM's couldnt have had anything to do with the leak as the steering is self contained. That must have been coincidental.

[marine_man]

Yep... definately a leak.

One thing I would check is where the vent hose is routed to. Ususally they run up to the dash and there will be a fitting on the dash that also acts as a vent. If it's not coming from there and from somewhere else you've got a leak.

marine_man

[eyepatrol]

Thanks guys. Funny thing is, on Saturday I wanted to show my dad what was going on, and when the fluid dripped out and we touched it, it was plain water. No greasy/slick feel to it or anything. Kinda strange. I'm still going to bring it in to have it checked out though. Better to be safe than sorry.