Help - 2006 Murano Oil Leak - not sure what oil?

[niketennis]

Hi,
This is a re-post from another section. I think I will get more help in this section. I have a 06 Murano with 78k on it. I noticed an oil leak today. I am not sure what kind of oil. I took a picture of the leak. It looks like it's coming from that light greenish L shaped thing. Can someone please advise?

These pictures were taken from the driver side of car. Oil is light yellowish in color.

Thanks again.
Here is the link to pictures of leak:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1134072...MbMjInZsNCuTw#

[njjoe]

nt-

I am guessing either the power steering or CVT cooling circuit.

Trace the line. Does it go to the power steering rack or CVT?

-njjoe

[niketennis]

What color is cvt fluid or power steering fluid

[njjoe]

Originally Posted by niketennis

What color is cvt fluid or power steering fluid

That is a difficult question to answer on a used car because the owner may have changed the fluid and used a non-OEM brand.

I suggest you open the cap on the power steering reservoir and see what color the fluid is. If it matches what you see leaking then chances are good that is you culprit.

-njjoe

[niketennis]

I will look tonight. I am the original owner. What color is oem psf?

[Pilgrim]

Also, an obvious way to help is to get under it and start looking for fluid trails. If you can spot where the leak comes from, it helps determine the source. Unfortunately oil leaks are often so spread around that it's difficult to determine the origin...but it's worth a try.

[niketennis]

I can't even get the cap off power steering reservoir tank. No luck at all today. Does this thing twist off or just pull it off? From the outside the level looks above the 'Hot Min' line.

[nitely]

It just snaps out. Try pulling up half side of the cover. CVT fluid is green tint. I have seen a PSF of the yellow/amber color similar to motor oil. But my 04 OEM PSF is red. like njjoe suggested, follow the line to ID where its all connected.

[Eric L.]

When brand new, CVT fluid is light green and PS fluid is red. However, both oxidize quickly and turn into an amber color when they have been circulating for a while. The CVT fluid will still appear somewhat greenish though. Your pictures make it unclear where some of the other components surrounding the area are - if you can take a picture from further back, it would be useful.

[niketennis]

I finally was able to open the PSF reservoir tank. Yes, the fluid is red. However, the oil I am seeing is not really red. My PSF is around the 'Cold Min' mark now. So I added some to bring back to 'Cold Max' line. I will give it another day or two and check to see how much I am losing. If this is a very slow leak, is it safe to drive as long as I check fluid every few days? Or by not fixing it could it cause more damage?

[Pilgrim]

If it's a slow leak, just keep it topped off and you're OK.

[nitely]

Took another look at your pixs and I am almost sure that its the power steering pressure line. Looking at the hard tubing I think you have a FWD MO - less bends. Look at Pix on post # 17 and 18 DIY: Power Steering High Pressure line repair Its the same part the only difference is that my pix is for an AWD MO - more bends. Take one of those drip leak and put it on white paper and compare your motor oil from dip stick on the same paper. There should be a difference under a lite. I would change it asap to avoid any sudden loss of power steering which is very dangerous. You'll never know when that hose will decide to suddenly gush the fluid out. Fairly cheap and easy to do if you have the tools and time. Just follow the above link. Good luck.