Disco 2 Clear fluid leak (Steering box?)

kanekelly94 · Apr 25, 2019

I have a leak from my discovery 2 (SHOCK)

the leak looks like it is coming from the steering box. running down the arm and onto the track rod end then dripping to the floor

it literally looks and has the consistency of baby oil. Clear oil.
I can't figure it out as it does not smell of anything.

Could it be coming from my steering box.

My power steering fluid hasn't moved and it is a completely different colour.

In ideas??

Thanks in advance.

Stanleysteamer · Apr 25, 2019

Power steering fluid is ATF, red and sweet smelling. How old is your engine oil? Could it be clean engine oil running down somehow onto the box? Like when you changed the oil and spilt some? Brake fluid has a distinctive smell. Could you somehow position a piece of clear plastic sheet under it to catch it, then you, or an expert, could examine it properly. Last possibly crazy idea, could someone have actually used baby oil/corn oil in place of the right stuff, just to sell it?

kanekelly94 · Apr 25, 2019

Stanleysteamer said:
Power steering fluid is ATF, red and sweet smelling. How old is your engine oil? Could it be clean engine oil running down somehow onto the box? Like when you changed the oil and spilt some? Brake fluid has a distinctive smell. Could you somehow position a piece of clear plastic sheet under it to catch it, then you, or an expert, could examine it properly. Last possibly crazy idea, could someone have actually used baby oil/corn oil in place of the right stuff, just to sell it?

Thanks for the response.
The plastic bag idea could be the one!!

My oil was changed about 3000 miles ago, I then had the engine jet washed as I had an oil leak which turned out to be the front cam cover so no more oil leaks.
Its baffled me a little

I shall take some photos when I am home tomorrow evening

I don't have any issues with steering and power steering hasn't changed since owning the car

JUKE179r · Apr 25, 2019

Is your brake fluid low?

Stanleysteamer · Apr 25, 2019

JUKE179r said:
Is your brake fluid low?

+1^^^^
I wondered that, but then it has a distinctive feel which I would not say was like baby oil. Also his brake fluid may be low simply due to pad wear. but it'd be worth topping it up then keeping an eye on it. Then he could compare Brake fluid to his leak and see if they are the same.

meego · Apr 25, 2019

The correct PSF for a Disco 2 isn't and shouldn't be red. It is more like a clean engine oil colour. From what you describe, "running down the arm" etc your steering box is leaking. Loads of stuff on here for suggested solutions.

berg450 · Apr 25, 2019

Check the backside of the rocker cover. I also had some oil leak on the right back side of the engine which has covered several areas from fpr, starter motor and finally ended on the bottom of bell housing. It was hard to see but could be felt by fingers. I changed yesterday the gasket so hopefully will be ok now.

Stanleysteamer · Apr 25, 2019

meego said:
The correct PSF for a Disco 2 isn't and shouldn't be red. It is more like a clean engine oil colour. From what you describe, "running down the arm" etc your steering box is leaking. Loads of stuff on here for suggested solutions.

I think, if the guy's car has never had its fluid changed, you are probably right. STC50519 cold climate fluid can be used but I thought that was green when new, what colour does it change to? I have heard "black" which can't be good. Unless he lives in an area where it gets to below -20 C, and has to use the Texaco stuff, then Dexron II or III is also supposed to be fine. I've topped up with it, after a pipe leak and never had a problem. So if it is a golden colour and it is power steering fluid, then what on earth is it?

Interceptorxj · Apr 25, 2019

meego said:
The correct PSF for a Disco 2 isn't and shouldn't be red. It is more like a clean engine oil colour. From what you describe, "running down the arm" etc your steering box is leaking. Loads of stuff on here for suggested solutions.

I had a brand new pre face lift D2 that definitely had red PAS / Ace from the factory

Feathers McGraw · Apr 25, 2019

Stanleysteamer said:
STC50519 cold climate fluid can be used but I thought that was green when new,

It is green. Got it in my PAS.

Couldn't be a leak from the FPR?

iansoady · Apr 26, 2019

The "proper" Texaco ACE / power steering fluid is indeed green but the same spec alternative from Smith & Nephew is apparently clear.

kanekelly94 · Apr 26, 2019

Okay so I've had a good look and I've dipped my power steering/ace tank and it is indeed the same colour

When the put my finger in the fluid off the floor it looked clear

So I've got a plastic bag and collected a couple of drips and it's sort of like slightly brown fluid which is the same as in my power steering tank

Thanks for the plastic bag idea it worked a treat

meego · Apr 26, 2019

kanekelly94 said:
Okay so I've had a good look and I've dipped my power steering/ace tank and it is indeed the same colour

When the put my finger in the fluid off the floor it looked clear

So I've got a plastic bag and collected a couple of drips and it's sort of like slightly brown fluid which is the same as in my power steering tank

Thanks for the plastic bag idea it worked a treat

So are we getting to the fact that it is more than likely your PAS box that’s leaking ??

MJI · Apr 26, 2019

kanekelly94 said:
I have a leak from my discovery 2 (SHOCK)

the leak looks like it is coming from the steering box. running down the arm and onto the track rod end then dripping to the floor

it literally looks and has the consistency of baby oil. Clear oil.
I can't figure it out as it does not smell of anything.

Could it be coming from my steering box.

My power steering fluid hasn't moved and it is a completely different colour.

In ideas??

Thanks in advance.

PS oil should be a very pale green and it looks clear on a leak.

Yes I had it everywhere when I rebuilt my ACE system

NPG · Apr 27, 2019

Before you dismantle anything, take a look at the PAS fluid reservoir down pipe. It has a tendency of rubbing with the sump outer edge and chafes to start leaking.

Stanleysteamer · Apr 28, 2019

NPG said:
Before you dismantle anything, take a look at the PAS fluid reservoir down pipe. It has a tendency of rubbing with the sump outer edge and chafes to start leaking.

Or against other stuff, it happened to me and was a tiny pinhole caused by rubbing, this is at least the third time I have posted about this. Take off the panels on the inner wheel arches, under the wheel arches both sides and look though all the pipes and wires that are rubbing together. I used split garden hose and cable ties to insulate them from each other but you may well find those funny plastic clips designed to keep things apart are either not in place or missing.

NPG · Apr 29, 2019

@Stanleysteamer - Agreed 100%. So many problems can be avoided if mechanics are a little bit patient in their work and stick to the original configuration. I've seen new brake lines rubbing against the chassis, especially at the rear and the thermostat housing sitting dangerously close to the fan blades. The routing of that PAS pipe however, was a somewhat clever idea by LR. I discovered mine being eaten away when I replaced the oil pump bolt (another clever idea !). I wrapped that pipe section in thick industrial strength aluminium foil held with cable zip ties for shear strength and thermal protection.

Disco 2 Clear fluid leak (Steering box?)

kanekelly94

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Stanleysteamer

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kanekelly94

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JUKE179r

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Stanleysteamer

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meego

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berg450

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