Power Steering pump covered in fluid/grime. Leak?

[john_galt]

While changing the oil on my 2015 4Runner SR5, with 40k miles, I noticed a lot of fluid/grime on the bottom side of the Power Steering pump.

That was the only dirty area of the engine. I’m not great at identifying fluids, but it seems more like P/S fluid as opposed to motor oil. I couldn’t see any fluid or dirt on the top of the pump or elsewhere. Neither hose connected to the pump seemed to be leaking or covered with fluid at all.

The engine was warm for the oil change, and I noticed the PS fluid was about 3/16” below the min Hot line. I thought for sure this indicated the culprit, but when the engine cooled the PS fluid was right on the min Cool line in the reservoir.

I listened to the bearing/shaft with a stethoscope and it sounded fine.

Any ideas, recommendations or suggestions?

 

[macenator]

Did you find the cause of the power steering fluid build up? I have the same issue on my 2015....

 

[wcjeep]

Clean the area with Wd40 and towels. Then check often. I typically use Wd40 for its ability to evaporate. Fresh leaks are easier to detect on clean surfaces.

 

[dpacifico13]

You definitely have an oil leak somewhere. Clean the area up real well and that should help you find where it’s weeping/leaking. I’d use brake cleaner + brush to get that cleaned up.

 

[john_galt]

Did you find the cause of the power steering fluid build up? I have the same issue on my 2015....

That engine has a propensity to leak near where the 3 parts come together in a triangular meeting (timing cover). I was 5 weeks from the warranty expiring and T-SB-0008-20 would only cover drips not seeps.

I was on the fence if I wanted them to fix this or not. It seems that sometimes the fix can exacerbate the problem.

Anyways, the leak stopped. Still can't believe it. About 8k on the car since the mechanic cleaned everything to see if it would drip prior to the warranty expiration.