What's this puddle under my 96 camry LE?

[ihgrad]

So, It got real cold quickly today (like a 15 degree drop to about 20F). I drove home from work parked the car, came out 5 minutes later and found a large (8" round) light-brownish puddle under the driver's side rear of the engine compartment. Can't find the leak from above, but it is all over the boot of the...steering arm? I need some ideas what it could be. Doesn't smell like oil, but maybe power steering fluid? Only other liquid I can think is over there...

[gator2764]

Sounds like your power steering rack is leaking. I guess the cold weather isn't helping out the seals. I had to replace mine on my 95 and talk about a pain!!

[ricebike]

happened to me on my nissan... i hit a pothole...

didn't noticed anything wrong; until i saw something similar to your puddle... mines was on the reddish side since my power steering fluid requires mercon/dexron ATF

quick confirmation that your ps resevoir is low/empty would point you on what to do next

i'm going to replace my whole steering rack since my nissan is 1989 my inner rack seal sprung a leak

[usedranger]

Try some Lucas Power Steering sealer. If its a seal and not a huge leak this stuff does work. This is the only one I have had any luck/success with.