My car is peeing. (slowly)

[tmpnsnty]

Car: 2000 Camry LE (5s-fe) with ~150K miles

Today, I'm doing my routine checkup on fluids and found out it's wet (light yellow fluid) on the passenger side under the hood near the power steering reservoir. My power steering fluid is a tad below the low line. During lunch I've looked at it again and there's a bigger wet spot under the hood, though none under the car. The end of one hose connected to the power steering reservoir is noticeable more wet than the rest of the other wet spots. It looks like:



So is it correct to diagnose that the hose is causing the leak? If so, how should I proceed? Drain out the power steering fluid like This, then disconnect the hose and replace it? Any precaution I need to know? And should I be worried that my power steering fluid is light yellow and not red like Ken4?

Thanks

[Mister_Perkins]

There is different power steering fluids. I remember Audi used to use that kind of P/S Fluid. Ken probably had the p/s flushed before... Or, the car makers used that P/S fluid instead. If you have ABS, you may want to make sure your ABS block isnt leaking before replacing the PS line. But if you dont have ABS, I would say thats where your problem is!

[tmpnsnty]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

There is different power steering fluids. I remember Audi used to use that kind of P/S Fluid. Ken probably had the p/s flushed before... Or, the car makers used that P/S fluid instead. If you have ABS, you may want to make sure your ABS block isnt leaking before replacing the PS line. But if you dont have ABS, I would say thats where your problem is!

Thanks for your reply. I don't have ABS.

[Hajoca]

Have you looked at the hose clamps??

You may try cleaning the wet area and wiggling the hose and clam to get a better seal first. Is hose end split?

[curry.style]

The hose is ten years old...if there is a leak coming from there I would go on and replace it.

[tmpnsnty]

Originally Posted by Hajoca

Have you looked at the hose clamps??

You may try cleaning the wet area and wiggling the hose and clam to get a better seal first. Is hose end split?

I'll try that after work. But what is the best way to clean off the leaked power steering fluid? Just cover the alternator and hose it down with water?

and what other hose should I replace? since most hoses are 10yr old. Radiator hose?

[curry.style]

I'd check all the hoses for leaks/cracks. I usually don't replace them unless they need it, but it's a good idea to check them at every oil change. Try brake cleaner to clean the fluid off. That's what we always used at the dealership.