just finished my 35k service today. i noticed on my statement a comment "power steering leak" when i got home, but none of the techs/reps mentioned anything to me when i was at the dealership. it seems the liquid spills out from the top (cover). i do have to say i have always noticed this spillage ever since i first looked under the hood. i thought this was normal from engine/truck movement, so every now and then i would just wipe the area around it. the spill is not really major; it's mostly the reservoir and some tubes/piping under it that gets greasy/black. is this something i should bring about to the service manager? thanks.

btw since it's past 30k mileage, i need to get my transmission fluid flushed. service manager quoted me $180 to just flush (no dropping of pan and change of filter). is this a good price? also, i have a manual transmission - does flushing makes a difference between auto/manual as far as the method or when i should get it done?

mahalo

 

happens on my 05 v6...haven't had time to investigate figured it was bad seal in cap or something...but same thing builds up around cap.

 

On a manual transmission there is no pan to drop and no filter to replace. A fluid change is the only service possible. As far as the power steering goes my 5.4l truck never has residue around the power steering cap. Also, I would suspect that the dealer has seen a power steering leak underneath, not what is seen around the cap. I would call the dealership to be sure. 180 dollars for the fluid change seems a little high as well. I would expect to pay 80 to 100 dollars.

 

Defective cap

 

ima going to have to agree w/anaheim_drew, definatly the cap, the rubber seal under the cap is bad. unless of course you or the shop spilled it while they were servicing the truck? easy replacement.. couple minutes you be on your way.just my 0.00002387 cents worth(not much huh?)

 

thanks for the replies guys. i finally was able to get ahold of the service manager. ill be receiving a call after he talks with the service tech. i really hope it's just the cap.

 

Mine leaks however it doesnt come out the cap nor does it drip anywhere on the ground. I can't find where the fluid is going but I have had to add PSF 2 times to bring it back to the full and I only have 22,000 miles.

 

Your using Mercon III automatic transmission fluid and not regular power steering fluid right?

It doesn't have to be it could just be overfilled. The fluid expands as it warms up which would cause the residue around the cap.

 

the spill is not just around the cap in my case. it goes all over the reservoir and whatever is in under it. the fluid level is a just a little below the max line. i guess the techs havent seen it before cuz i would always wipe the engine bay before bringing it in for service. other than low fluid level and the mess it makes, is there anything else i should worry about?

 

I had a power steering leak, I first noticed by having to add fluid, then I started seeing the drips/drops on the ground. I crawled under and saw what looked to be fluid on on efo the lines. I brought it in. Turns out the power steering line (high pressure line I think they said) was leaking. Had it replaced under the extended warranty. Truck (04 XLT SCAB) had 42K on it at the time.

 

FYI...changing the fluid in a manual transmission is very simple and definatley not a $180 job. At least it wasn't in my last truck which was a 2000 Ranger. I'd say it only took me 20 min. from start to finish. Try doing a search and see if you can find anything on changing the fluid in the manual trannys.