kino1161OL

I have a clear fluid (almost like a clear oil) leaking from the front of the car. What could it be? It is towards the front of the car towards the front bumper. I also have a small whining noise coming from the front, driver's side of the engine. The car doesn't seem to drive any different. Please HELP! If you know what it is, how can I fix it? I have a 1996 GS. Thanks!

Pianoman72

Check your power steering fliud. THere should be fluid all the way up to the rim. If it is low, get your power steering system flushed and refilled and see if the leak continues.

kino1161OL

Checking the power steering fluid is in reference to what? The whining noise or the leaking clear fluid? Thanks. Pianoman!

ricomr

iTrader: (1)

The clear fluid could be both - power steering fluid, and as such, being low and causing that whining noise you're hearing.

Epik

iTrader: (7)

P/S fluid is generally red. I would check the fittings and casing on the AC compressor. Sounds like the compressor PAG oil to me.

kino1161OL

Epik,
Would the compressor still leak oil even if I am not using the A/C? Is that compressor oil clear? If it still can be the compressor, where is it located? Thanks!

Epik

iTrader: (7)

front drivers side of the motor, on the bottom. it is on the side of the motor and mounted beneath the ps pump. look at your battery, then look down.

ac may/may not work if it is leaking. the screeching may be the pulley on the ac or it's clutch if it is the compressor oil.

if it IS the compressor.. i have several used ones.

kino1161OL

So, whether I am using the A/C or not (and I am not) the compressor can still leak and make noise (the screeching)??

Epik

iTrader: (7)

yes, b/c the system is always pressured with the freon and oil. it is only when you turn on the a/c that it engages a clutch on the pulley and pushes the freon around and thru the system. the pulley itself on th pump is always turning though.. it is on the main accessory belt that runs everything else.. water pump, alternator, p/s.

kino1161OL

Epik, you are really helping me a lot! Thanks! So, being that I have this leak of clear fluid under my car AND the screeching noise coming from the belts, it may more than likely be my compressor and the only clear fluid up there is the compressor oil, correct? Can I just reach down there and feel down there to see if the compressor is, in fact, leaking?

If it turns out to be my compressor, I may take you up on that offer you stated earlier!

Kaiser

iTrader: (1)

Are you sure there is no pink tint to that fluid? The power steering is much more likely.

kino1161OL

Kaiser,
It is not power steering. The fluid is clear like water (but oily).

Epik,
If the compressor totally goes or all the oil leaks out, will I still be able to drive my car? I turned my A/C on tonight to see if it still works and gets cold and it does! I also checked to see where the leak was coming from and I really couldn't see where the leak was coming from but I could see the oily residue on the splash guard under the radiator from inside the engine bay, if that means anything. Is the compressor replacement a hard job? Will changing my compressor stop the screeching noise, too?

Epik

iTrader: (7)

check also to make sure that your radiator does not have a leak. the coolant could appear to be clear in small enough of a quantity, and would feel slightly greasy. maybe a stress crack or something.

the a/c could still work. it is unlikely, but maybe you have a crack in compressor housing. just feel under the compressor and see if it is covered or dripping.

glad i can help.

kino1161OL

Thanks, everyone!