Found a nice size puddle of clear oil under the MINI today.

Got under it and couldn't find the source.

I did have to add PS fluid to it the other day. Seems low again.

Is there a common spot they leak?

 

If it's a first gen, yes. The hose clamps tend to suck. Replace them with traditional tightening clamps. That is one of the normal leak points.

But clear oil is brake/clutch hydraulic fluid. That could easily (and commonly) come from the clutch slave.

 

Hmmm. I put some PS fluid on my finger from the dip stick and it was clear as well.

The clutch slave is new and was dry when I got under the car.

 

My apologies. The PS fluid appears to be green. I guess it is brake fluid.

I wonder if it could be "squirting" from somewhere.

 

among other things, my '04 Mini seamed to leak PS fluid from just about every part of the steering system. There was fluid residue visible around the perimeter of the cap on the reservoir, parts of the hoses, and according to mechanics, I had leaks at the rack and pinion near the boots? The first gen power steering system was basically a disaster in every way possible. You may want to look into whether your car is eligible for Mini's extended warranty coverage on the PS pump, since they finally owned up to some of their faults a few years back and started offering free replacements depending on the problem. That CH fluid is pretty expensive to have to continually top off.

 

So, I removed the plastic shields that were catching the drips, and, this morning, then was a line of 5 drops under the car.

I couldn't get under to look, but, my guess is, the fluid or oil is running along a hose or something and dropping off.

I still think it's PS fluid.

 

Check these locations for the Power steering leak to pinpoint it :

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hose-pics.html

 

Thanks. I'll look at it tonight. Is the return hose hard to get to?