What's this liquid?

[Amie92]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and seek some wisdom. I recently purchased a T6 to convert, it has full service history, no warning lights or issues driving etc. But being curious, I looked under the engine bay today and saw a small yellow droplet next to the timing belt and some staining around that area, is it a potential concern?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dundee_Kev]

Possible power steering fluid

 

[Amie92]

Possible power steering fluid

Thank you. Should I get it checked out?

 

[JumpShip]

Wipe it clean , check all levels and monitor for the next few weeks

 

[Amie92]

Wipe it clean , check all levels and monitor for the next few weeks

Ok, will do. It had a major service last week and no leaks/issues were noted. I'm probably reading into it too much.

 

[The Bear78]

It looks quite clean so could even be fresh oil that was spilled during the service.
As above, just monitor it and enjoy the van!!

 

[Amie92]

It looks quite clean so could even be fresh oil that was spilled during the service.
As above, just monitor it and enjoy the van!!

Thank you, I appreciate it

 

[Podge]

That is the power steering pump and it looks like it has been weeping. It seems like it has been dripping onto the A/C compressor below by the damp stain. It does look a bit yellow for VW fluid but I'm exactly with JumpShip's sage advice.

 

[Amie92]

That is the power steering pump and it looks like it has been weeping. It seems like it has been dripping onto the A/C compressor below by the damp stain. It does look a bit yellow for VW fluid but I'm exactly with JumpShip's sage advice.

Ok, thank you for the advice

 

[Amie92]

Hi all, just an update..

The power steering pump was leaking and I had it replaced today. Driving it home it seemed fine but when I turned the wheel to full lock there was an audible grinding sound and the steering suddenly became heavy, out of full lock it went back to normal..

Is this just a "breaking in" thing or do I need to take it back to the mechanics?

Many thanks!

 

[Podge]

If it was me I would check the fluid and as long as it was ok I would see how it went but one more single event of noise or heaviness I would take it back. It may be that they didn't initialise something in that strange (to me being old and retired!) hybrid hydraulic/electro power steering system and it may well sort itself out. Normally there is no running in period for a new power steering pump and neither noise or heaviness should be considered normal.

 

[Amie92]

If it was me I would check the fluid and as long as it was ok I would see how it went but one more single event of noise or heaviness I would take it back. It may be that they didn't initialise something in that strange (to me being old and retired!) hybrid hydraulic/electro power steering system and it may well sort itself out. Normally there is no running in period for a new power steering pump and neither noise or heaviness should be considered normal.

Thank you for this. I'll contact them on Monday if the noise & heaviness continues.

 

[JumpShip]

Work the steering wheel from lock to lock and make sure its smooth .
It shouldnt need any 'breaking in' but it would need any air bleeding out after being fitted and any harshness could be air in the system still.
Check the fluid level again as any air bubbles will mean the fluid may drop slightly .
Worth mentioning to the garage anyway. .

 

[Amie92]

Work the steering wheel from lock to lock and make sure its smooth .
It shouldnt need any 'breaking in' but it would need any air bleeding out after being fitted and any harshness could be air in the system still.
Check the fluid level again as any air bubbles will mean the fluid may drop slightly .
Worth mentioning to the garage anyway. .

Thank you. I'll try this out over the weekend and get in contact with the garage Monday if it still persists

 

[Sasquatch]

The garage should have bled it by turning the wheel lock to lock with the engine running. Hitting the stops opens the pressure relief valves in the rack, and the fluid gets round all the nooks and crannies and bleeds itself.

Unlikely it'll feel different, never mind at all heavy, if it's hasn't been bled properly. Not wishing to rain on your parade but I'd be concerned.

 

[Amie92]

Another update.. the new pump that was put on last week was a dud, the mechanic said it had failed. They put a new one on today and the van again seemed fine driving home but when reversing it onto the drive, the noise happened again.

I've attached audio for reference (noise happens when turning to full lock).. is it still the pump at this point? Surely it can't be another dud

 

[Podge]

That needs to go back and let them sort it out. It sounds like the pump again to me. Did they use a genuine VW or aftermarket pump/s? There are other things like the belt tensioner and the alternator freewheel which can make noises but that is for them to fix, it's not your problem. It's not right though. I would check the fluid again and return it.

 

[Amie92]

That needs to go back and let them sort it out. It sounds like the pump again to me. Did they use a genuine VW or aftermarket pump/s? There are other things like the belt tensioner and the alternator freewheel which can make noises but that is for them to fix, it's not your problem. It's not right though. I would check the fluid again and return it.

I gathered as much. No idea what pump they used, they're a VW specialist garage. I left them an email with a video of it but I will take it back. Fluid levels are all fine. Annoyingly, the noise never happened when it was leaking! Sigh. Thanks Podge, third times a charm.