What is this leak? Just fuel overspill or something else?

[dobber82]

Hi everyone,

I noticed an oily deposit on the driveway today that seems to be coming from underneath my car. It’s roughly in line with the centre of the rear wheel and about 6-12 inches toward the middle of the car.

One thing to note: it’s been lightly raining, and I occasionally get a bit of fuel overspill into the fuel area (I am just not very good at doing it!!). Additionally, during my last drive, I struggled to shift into 1st and 2nd gear, which has never happened before.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what might be causing this or what could be leaking from that location?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[dobber82]

I should note, the car is not reporting Low Oil ... the residue smells slightly fuel based but hard to tell as its watered down due to the rain

 

[kitkat]

This is your power steering pump going bad.

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

This is your power steering pump going bad.

Nah, it's just an Alfa 4C steering upgrade

 

[dobber82]

Luckily its already booked in, in January for something else (which fixed itself) but I didnt cancel the slot as I knew something would happen.

Safe to drive like this? Or absolutely not?!

 

[Pegasi]

At minimum check your fluid before you drive it to the dealer if you aren't going to tow it.

Steering Fluid Reservoir
The power assisted steering fluid
reservoir is located at the right-hand
corner of the engine bay, see item 6 on
page 225.
Under normal circumstances it should
not be necessary to add any fluid.
Because inspection of the fluid level
requires the removal of the right hand
rear wheelarch liner, it is recommended
that this operation is only carried out
by your authorised Lotus Retailer as
part of the recommended service
schedule.

 

[kitkat]

Luckily its already booked in, in January for something else (which fixed itself) but I didnt cancel the slot as I knew something would happen.

Safe to drive like this? Or absolutely not?!

This depends on your risk profile, you could gradually or suddenly lose power steering, or you could get power steering fluid on your tire while parked or possibly while driving and causes some issues for you on the road.

I don't wanna be a stickler for safety, but I wouldn't drive it with this leaking.

 

[dobber82]

I shall not be driving it until it goes to the dealer after checking all the usual stuff.

 

[Aero]

If power steering fluid or trans fluid it should be red looking. I would check your oil anyway though. I dont believe there is low oil level sensor (V6), just a low oil pressure light you never want to see. Looks like a substantial leak as well and wouldnt recommend driving esp since you say the car wouldnt shift easily. I would hope the dealer would want to come pick up the car on a trailer.

 

[dobber82]

Thanks Aero - yeh - wouldnt say it was Red looking

 

[Aero]

Thanks Aero - yeh - wouldnt say it was Red looking

Youll probably have to get some (fresh from the car best) on your finger and maybe smudge it on white paper to tell a color. I'd ask the dealer to maybe try to get to it sooner than January if possible since this may qualify as a 'breakdown' and not a nitpick thing.

 

[dobber82]

Good advice, thanks

 

[scc.131.fe]

I should note, the car is not reporting Low Oil ... the residue smells slightly fuel based but hard to tell as its watered down due to the rain

I once put 600 miles on a BMW X5 that was essentially out of oil, and no warning light. Amazingly, the engine handled it, but that was pure mercy.

I think I read somewhere:
"Those who have dipsticks but won't check them have no advantage over those that don't."

 

[dobber82]

Oil level checked and not an issue - also am I the only on in the UK without a full handbook? Did you guys all get one?

 

[kitkat]

Oil level checked and not an issue - also am I the only on in the UK without a full handbook? Did you guys all get one?

I'll DM you.,

 

[dobber82]

Is it true to check the PS level you need to remove the rear wheel liner!