MY93 WRX, Top of cambelt cover, towards left hand side.

Seems to be oil rather than power steering fluid as its not red. Clean oil around the bolts area and sludgy as it runs down the cam cover.

Nothing on the garage floor........yet.

Cheers...

 

The only thing up there is the PAS pump?

 

I'd be a happy man if it was that. Its definitely not crank oil seal then....

 

O-ring between power steering pump and reservoir gets tired and leaks. Just done mine, O-ring 50 pence or so from dealer.
Remove 5-6 bolts on top of reservoir, syringe out fluid, undo 2 bolts in the bottom of reservoir and separate. Clean surfaces and replace O-ring and refit.

Hakon

 

I knew about the O-ring (search function), but had convinced myself it wasnt that due to the fluid being clear and not red.

If there is nowhere for engine oil to leak out of from up there, then I think I'll have a go at the power steering and see what happens. Might be able to see clearer when I remove the reservoir anyway

 

Try cleaning the area as this might give you a better idea where it's coming from?

 

Easier said than done.

I cant get my hands near it and I've been avoiding jet-washing it for fear of launching oily crap all over what is an other wise very clean engine

I may well have another more determined go though....

Maybe an old toothbrush and some white spirit

 

Use a bit of 'gunk' on a rag,it works quite well.

 

I had exactly the same looking leak and it was the o-ring. Have a look with a torch etc round either side and the back of the PAS pump. I couldn't tell the colour of the fluid either as it collected so much krap.


Hakon

 

This is definitely encouraging. The car is certainly the right age for it to be the O-ring. Had another quick look tonight and there is definitely oil around the base of what I assume to be the PAS pump.

I've been told the pump is a bit noisy aswell, so may have to get that replaced while I'm at it...now where do I get a new one of those at a reasonable price....

 

Personally I would leave the pump, but if you are in the mood,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Subaru-Impreza...QQcmdZViewItem

Seems expensive, but it is new. I'm sure there is some exchange type thing available, try camskill or AS performance at a guess.

Hakon

 

it is prob noisy as the level has gone down. overfill it slightly when refilling it if it is still a bit noisy

 

Oil Level in the PAS reservoir was OK when I last saw it. I would have changed the seal when I had the car but but I had no spares and Town and County said " not in stock M8, it'll be here in 3 days.OK!" Didn't think these would be a non-stock item so it was too late!

I can change it when the clutch is being done if you like? If your still getting it done that it?

Russell

ps - clutch is in the garage and flywheel too!

 

That would be just perfect Russell, it would save me a lot of grief

Still having nightmares about spilled coolant all over me engine after changing the header tank

Definitely still needing the clutch done, PM on its way re that.