what is this fluid dripping from my front subframe?

[peytonracer4]

there's a fluid dripping from my front subframe. when i first got the car it seemed like the PS res was leaking at the 2 lines because they were always wet and it left big puddles under the car. i got rid of the PS res and the seemingly huge puddles stopped. the PS level didn't really seem low enough to create those large puddles.

currently i had my engine detailed out to help me diagnose any problems. there's still dripping coming from the front subframe. it's not engine oil. it really looks like tranny fluid and seems like that's possible given the location of the trans. however what could be causing this? i don't understand what would be leaking on the trans. i don't know a lot about transmissions. it's a manual 5 speed.

my coolant level looks somewhat low which concerns me because of the profile gasket but the stuff coming off my subframe doesn't seem like coolant.

PLEASE HELP! this is driving me nuts.

[MR 325]

Well, the power steering system uses ATF. The rack could be leaking.

[peytonracer4]

why would the rack leak when there's no fluid in the system though? i got rid of the PS res and it's been running "dry" for a while now.

[george graves]

why would the rack leak when there's no fluid in the system though?

Cause there is a system of gears - the rack is full of a liter of fluid.. They all have lube in them. Get a 95 e36 m3 rack if it's a dd, OR if you x-cross, a z3 rack. then do a proper r-and-r on your PS system.

Motor oil and AFT are very different. Learn to know what's what.

[jlevie]

If the car has an automatic transmission, the fluid could be leaking from the transmission cooler lines. Otherwise it will have to be fluid from the rack, engine oil, or coolant.

[peytonracer4]

Cause there is a system of gears - the rack is full of a liter of fluid.. They all have lube in them. Get a 95 e36 m3 rack if it's a dd, OR if you x-cross, a z3 rack. then do a proper r-and-r on your PS system.

Motor oil and AFT are very different. Learn to know what's what.

I know it's not motor oil. It looks a lot like ps fluid. Where on the rack could it be leaking from? Other than the hoses

[immajackuup]

in the steering rack boot

[gp.plus]

Input shaft of gearbox, maybe leaking gear oil into bell housing then dripping out. Gear oil has a very distinct smell. Sounds like your rack is leaking though as mentioned above.

[Wh33lhop]

Get a 95 e36 m3 rack if it's a dd, OR if you x-cross, a z3 rack.

Do NOT get an M3 rack. They are NOT better. Get a regular E36 rack.