Oil leak

LASTMOH

MEMBER
2007 TOYOTA COROLLA
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

I always find a drop of oil on the power steering pump.I am sure it's engine oil because the color is not red. I saw online the common leak in those cars are from the chain tensioner I replaced it already. I still see a drop of oil on the power steering pump. Do you think its from the chain cover. How can I address it?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,732 POSTS

Hi,

Honestly, I don't want to speculate. It could be the chain cover, valve cover, and often times, power steering fluid (not ATF) is gold in color and appears to be motor oil.

Here is what I suggest: Check the area around the pump where you feel there could be a leak. Make sure it is dry and clean. Drive the vehicle for a short distance and then check to see if you can follow a trail of oil to the source.

Here is a link you may find helpful. Also, let me know if you are able to locate the location and I'll get you the directions for repair. Note that if you can't locate it, you will likely need to put a dye in the oil and after driving, inspect it with a black light to see if you can follow the leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

Let me know if this helps. If you have questions or need help with anything, let me know that as well.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 8:19 PM

LASTMOH

MEMBER
26 POSTS

I replaced the power steering fluid 2 weeks ago the manufacturer recommend Dexron 2 or 3 so the color of the fluid is red. Also, because I found some oil in the spark pug holes I replaced the valve cover gasket and I checked no oil leaks. The oil leak is very small like I said I just see one drop of oil on the power steering pump no dripping on the ground. Yesterday I added a oil dye 1oz but its hard to see. I m not using those yellowish glasses. Do I need to use them?

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Friday, May 8th, 2020 AT 9:14 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,732 POSTS

Hi,

The glasses make the dye more pronounced so you can locate it. Remember, the dye has now mixed with the oil, so it is thinned out.

Try checking with the glasses. Keep in mind, if you replaced the valve cover already, it has to be lower on the engine. Check the oil pressure sensor, around the oil pan, and cam seals.

Let me know.
Joe

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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 8:26 PM

LASTMOH

MEMBER
26 POSTS

Okay, the leak is around the chain tensioner.i replaced the tensioner with a new o-ring do i need to put some silicone around where the tensioner seats. this is the part:

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/1354022022?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=frooglePN&utm_term=1354022022&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-P1BRA2EiwAXoPWAzV9FKTiLqWrQ4Bv7MKo-gf3-IIEvIwTjEMnSw-7frjkrFmW4MM7KxoCFJ0QAvD_BwE

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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 2:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,732 POSTS

Hi,

As long as where the o-ring is located, everything was clean and not damaged and when installed, nothing nicked the seal, you should be fine.

Let me know if it takes care of the problem.

Joe