Steering column dripping

[IvanH]

Question, got a 65 Barracuda. After driving, this portion of the steering column is dripping and the drips land on some hot areas of the engine and smoke. Question is what is the part called in the photo and should it be wet/dripping?

Thanks in advance

 

[Super-Cuda]

Question, got a 65 Barracuda. After driving, this portion of the steering column is dripping and the drips land on some hot areas of the engine and smoke. Question is what is the part called in the photo and should it be wet/dripping?

Thanks in advance

View attachment 1716368596

What's dripping, looking at the pic may be brake fluid running down on to the steering coupler (that's what its called BTW )

Check your brake fluid level in the reservoir and have someone apply the brakes while you check the line for a pinhole.

This is a single reservoir system so if that stops working because of fluid loss, you have no brakes.

 

[IvanH]

I added another photo if it helps

 

[junkyardhero]

it'd be kind of unusual for the steering coupler to drip anything-- those are usually packed with hi-temp grease, but i wouldn't rule it out.

like super-cuda eluded to, the liquid it may be originating from elsewhere. seeing the adapters on the MC would make me suspect there first.

investigate and report back

 

[IvanH]

Would that be brake fluid or steering fluid leaking?

 

[IvanH]

Not sure if that is normal levels

 

[junkyardhero]

Not sure if that is normal levels

View attachment 1716368621

i would not consider that to be normal level, so let's say "adequate, but quite low"

it's hard to say if that's flash, but everything on that master cylinder looks damp to me. appears to be leaking back onto the column and then working its way down to the coupler.

 

[Super-Cuda]

Not sure if that is normal levels

View attachment 1716368621

There's a great indicator of your problem.

Brake fluid is way too low.

Master cylinder upgrade to two reservoir type which is good.

I'm with junkyard hero on this.

Good possibility one of those fittings is leaking and following the bottom of the master cylinder then dripping onto the coupler and exhaust manifold.

 

[IvanH]

Got it. Really appreciate it! So its a matter of finding that leak at the MC, so you think there is a good chance its the fittings for the two metal hoses? guessing one is front breaks and one is rear brakes

 

[CRUZE 418]

And the rust, DOT 4 loves moisture.

 

[CRUZE 418]

It could be breathing out of the reservoir cover.

 

[krazykuda]

Not sure if that is normal levels

View attachment 1716368621

From the wetness and rust around the perimeter of the master cylinder, it looks like the cap is leaking...

If it were just one fitting, that one side would be wet and rusty...

You have to look for witness marks and trace them...

 

[IvanH]

Thanks again! How can I tell what the master bore size is? Looks like its typically 1 inch but I also see 11/16 and 15/16 options out there

 

[MV8]

Wrap a piece of emory cloth around your finger, then rub around the top edge to remove all the rust/stuck on crud that is preventing the cap from sealing. Gently clean the cap rubber insert with a tooth brush and a solvent. The rubber should be smooth.

 

[krazykuda]

Thanks again! How can I tell what the master bore size is? Looks like its typically 1 inch but I also see 11/16 and 15/16 options out there

You have to take the master cylinder off and remove the piston that is inside it and measure it...

The piston removes from the back of the cylinder that contacts the firewall...