Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

leak id assistance

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Old Nov 26, 2018 | 07:54 PM
  #1  
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vitaminC
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From: NorCal
leak id assistance

I've got a lot of a goop accumulating under the car as shown in the photo (passenger side). I know that my power steering hoses are leaking and am planning to replace them. Does this look like just PS fluid, or is it likely oil accumulation? Underside of the motor/trans doesn't seem oily...

Thanks!




 
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Old Nov 26, 2018 | 09:04 PM
  #2  
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AoxoMoxoA
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Originally Posted by vitaminC
Does this look like just PS fluid, or is it likely oil accumulation?
In this case, where it’s the passenger side, it’s not p/s fluid...

Due to a heavy accumulation of sludge on the underside of the two oil cooler hoses as well as on all neighboring surfaces, I’d venture a guess that a large part of what you see there is coming from a torn and leaking CV boot, which will throw grease all over the place when it opens up.

This doesn’t mean that you don’t have additional leaks elsewhere.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2018 | 09:43 PM
  #3  
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vitaminC
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Originally Posted by AoxoMoxoA


In this case, where it’s the passenger side, it’s not p/s fluid...

Due to a heavy accumulation of sludge on the underside of the two oil cooler hoses as well as on all neighboring surfaces, I’d venture a guess that a large part of what you see there is coming from a torn and leaking CV boot, which will throw grease all over the place when it opens up.

This doesn’t mean that you don’t have additional leaks elsewhere.
Thanks, I hadn't even considered the CV boot. I will take a closer look at it tomorrow for tears. For comparison, the driver's side boot is dry.

 
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Old Nov 27, 2018 | 08:27 PM
  #4  
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vitaminC
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Well, the right side inner boot was definitely torn and not much grease left inside. I guess at this point it’s better to just replace the axle? I did hear a ‘moaning’ sound when turning at low speeds, so maybe this is the cause?
 
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Old Nov 28, 2018 | 07:15 AM
  #5  
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Tgriffithjr
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From: Texas
That first photo looks like the fluid is greenish which could be power steering fluid.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2018 | 09:43 AM
  #6  
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AoxoMoxoA
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Originally Posted by vitaminC
Well, the right side inner boot was definitely torn and not much grease left inside. I guess at this point it’s better to just replace the axle? I did hear a ‘moaning’ sound when turning at low speeds, so maybe this is the cause?
Easier to replace the entire axle, as doing just the boots won't help if axle components are also near end of life.
PM me for suggestions as to which replacement axle to go with, as (unfortunately) I have a fair amount of experience with this.
 
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