Found a Leak under my 01 QX4 (w/ Pics)

[yakabod]

Just noticed a couple drips on my driveway and decided to remove the under carriage cover. I noticed a leak from something that looks like it came apart. I checked the opposite side and it's intact. What is this leak and what do I need to do to fix it? Thanks in advance!







Here's an outer view look:




Here's the opposite side:

[AlanAZ]

Looks like a ripped steering rack boot. I've replaced mine, Beck Arnley makes a good quality replacement.

There's normally grease under the boot, but if it's leaking a thin fluid, the seals on the rack may be damaged, meaning a swap or rebuild of the rack. You might check the fluid level in PS reservoir.

[Upgrayedd]

I would bet money that the leak is from your oil cooler which is a common leak. The oil cooler is right above the passenger side steering rack boot. There are 2 rubber o-rings/gaskets within the oil cooler that wear out and allow oil to leak. The oil leaking onto the steering rack boot caused it to disintegrate and fall apart.

My '02 Pathfinder had the exact same issue. When I bought it it was clear that the oil cooler had been leaking for some time and same boot was torn up. I fixed the leak and had the boot replaced and all is good. I fixed the oil cooler myself when I was doing an oil change and it was a pretty easy procedure. I had the dealer replace the steering rack boots and had them do an alignment afterwards.

Check out this link:
oil-leak-but-cant-locate-t457339.html

ETA: in your pictures the oil cooler is silver/gold colored part at the top of your red circles. Check to see if it is wet at the bottom of it. It should be dry.

[yakabod]

I would bet money that the leak is from your oil cooler which is a common leak. The oil cooler is right above the passenger side steering rack boot. There are 2 rubber o-rings/gaskets within the oil cooler that wear out and allow oil to leak. The oil leaking onto the steering rack boot caused it to disintegrate and fall apart.

My '02 Pathfinder had the exact same issue. When I bought it it was clear that the oil cooler had been leaking for some time and same boot was torn up. I fixed the leak and had the boot replaced and all is good. I fixed the oil cooler myself when I was doing an oil change and it was a pretty easy procedure. I had the dealer replace the steering rack boots and had them do an alignment afterwards.

Check out this link:
oil-leak-but-cant-locate-t457339.html

ETA: in your pictures the oil cooler is silver/gold colored part at the top of your red circles. Check to see if it is wet at the bottom of it. It should be dry.

Thanks for this! I'll look into it tomorrow afternoon. Is this an urgent case to repair or can it wait till my next oil change?

[Upgrayedd]

IMO it can wait until your next oil change.

[yeldogt]

I just did my oil cooler -- very common .. all there of mine. Fix when you change oil filter -- need a new gasket

[yakabod]

Awesome! Thanks fellas.