I've had a fluid leak for the past 2 years but only when it is freezing >32 -- At first I thought it was the valve cover gasket, (dealer said there was a small leak) so I replaced it this fall. After a cold night still had a small leak, checked under the car and looks like it is coming from one of the power steering hoses where it connects to the pump. My non dealer service guy wants to put dye in the fluid to see if it is coming from a hose or the pump itself (never heard of the pump actually leaking) It's not leaking alot, but enough that it bothers me. Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe the O ring might be shrinking when it gets that cold along with a bad clamp.

 

The leak could be coming from anywhere in the system. In my case it was coming from the hoses that attaches to the reservoirs. I replaced the hose clamps when i removed my engine and problem solved. This upper leak could be mistakenly diagnosed as leaks coming from the bottom, fluid running down along the lines and settles at the bottom.

 

You shouldn't have to dye the fluid to find the leak. Have your tech clean up the oil around the three hoses to and from your pump, rack and reseroir, and then run it for a bit and you'll find the leak. If you're lucky, it's a $65 low pressure line to or from the reservoir. If you're unlucky, it's the $250 high pressure line from the pump to rack.