mysterious leak

[BlueSteel]

I decided to check up on my wife’s 2000 Subaru Legacy Outback a couple of days ago after she told me that she was smelling a burning smell when she drove. I checked it out and both front CV boots are torn. Some of the grease had splattered out; however I can fix the boots no problem. What was disturbing was this reddish color fluid that was leak from around the steering gearbox location on the driver side of the car, near the CV joint. I washed the underside of the car and then drove it to see if I could better locate the exact location of the leak. It just started leaking again after two days. All the car fluids from what I can check are full but I still can’t see the exact location of the leak. However the Steering gearbox, the left front axel boot has this reddish fluid that’s leaking down the rack and pinion. Any suggestions welcome. I think it might be a bad seal with in the steering gearbox but I could be wrong, or maybe the non pressure return hose to the power steering. But again the fluid canister is full.

[nipper]

one of two things. It can be a leaking power steering hose O ring. Or it can be a leaking rack, which means it needs to be replaced.


nipper

[BlueSteel]

Thanks, I will check it out and see what I can find.

[ROTORCRAFT]

Welcome to the site bluesteel. I'm new as well. Just to let you know don't replace your cv driveshafts with aftermarket new parts. Read the thread just a little further down and it's self explanitory. This is the very reason I joined this awesome site. Leaks can be tricky to track down, just keep washing it and watching it to pinpoint the problem area. Keep us posted

Vibration in Reverse and Drive - Axles

[BlueSteel]

Thanks for the welcome Rotorcraft,
**** yeah this is an awesome site. I give major props for the he or she responsible for it.

Yeah I read the CV thread Yesturday and thats why I registered. I learned more about my wifes car in the 30 minutes I spent here than some of the other sights I have been to. No worries this sight has a member for life as long as everyone remains this Liberal about help and information.

I have a great mechanics procedure website that gives one step by step installation and removal instructions for any make and model car including of course SUBARU.
Its a library website and you need a librarycard# from the library to use the page. I will post the link to the website but i will have to post the library card number to access the sight tomarrow. heres is the link www.coalcity.lib.il.us
This will take you to the sight. then scroll down midway and on the right hand side of the page you will see a box that says ARRC Auto Repair Reference Center. Click on it and type the number that i provide you tomarrow and you will have access to all makes and models including wireing diagrams, installation and removal of various parts. "great" website trust me. So look for my next post with the Access number tomarrow! Talk to you guys later.

[BlueSteel]

alright guys it turns out that it was my steering gear box and it cost me three hundred dollars for the replacement from advanced auto. I have been driving for a week now and I haven't had one problem. I also replaced the cv axels ( subaru parts of course) All in all The Car rides like New again! talk to you guys later.