Leaky C3

[cherrypit]

I've noticed a very slow leak from my c3 (it's a 1.4, petrol, 2002 model) and on looking under the car I think it's steering fluid - it's coming from the front in the middle area of the steering rack, slightly towards the driver's side and it's literally a drop a day it's so slow. The car is running fine in the meantime. Does this sound like a steering fluid leak? I'm really hoping it won't be too much of a bill to get fixed  :unsure:

[paul.h]

Have you put your finger in a drip on the floor to see if it is oil or water ?

 

The steering on a C3 uses an electric motor on the rack so there should not be any oil to leak. Approximately below the driver's seat is a drain for the air con matrix which lets condensation drip on to the floor, so if it is clear water then it could be this. If it is slightly greasy water with a slight colour, it could be anti freeze. An oil leak will likely be black or if the engine oil is not discoloured a yellow colour. If it is brake fluid it will be a yellow/straw colour. Each of these have their own distinct smell to help decide what it is.

[cherrypit]

Thank you, I didn't know that so that's very interesting! It's a dark brown/black colour, feels greasy and it doesn't seem to have a smell? I suppose it must be oil then? I'm planning to have it looked at in the next couple of weeks so should be able to report back then.

[paul.h]

If you got the car from a dealer there should be a warranty on it. If so I would take it back.

 

One possibility is it could be the engine sump drain plug which is in the middle of the engine, slightly towards the driver's side and at the back/bottom. You could look under the car and at the bottom of the engine to see it. If it is leaking it may just need a new washer on it - these should be replaced every time the engine oil is changed anyway. To replace the washer will result in the oil draining out so it should be done at the same time as an oil and filter change - on the C3 petrol engine this is every 2 years or 20k miles if sooner. The washer has a rubber insert and is about 70p from a Citroen dealer but usually a lot more from a car accessory shop.

[cherrypit]

Thank you you've been a lot of help  :) . I've had a look under the car with the help of a Haynes manual and while I can't see the plug itself because it's obscured I think your right - it's slightly wet around that area and getting some more on my hand it smells burnt like motor oil. The car itself has a very limited warranty due to it's age but the dealer/garage said they'd be happy to help with anything so I'll call them. Can't get there until school breaks up for Easter but once someones had a look I'll update and let you know the verdict. No drops on the drive in the night by the way so it must be a very slow leak. I'm relieved it sounds like quite a straightforward thing to fix.

[cherrypit]

Had a good feel around and found the plug and yep the liquid is coming from there. Thanks again paul  :)

[Landmark]

Can you try nipping the plug up in case it's working loose.

If you put your location in your profile there may be another member near you.

Griff

[paul.h]

If you do wish to check the drain plug is not loose, you need an 8mm square key to fit the drain plug such as this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-38324-Drain-Plug-Square/dp/B0001K9U2I. The torque setting is 30 Nm so should not be done up too tight or there is a risk of stripping the sump threads.

[cherrypit]

Quick update as I managed to get the car to the garage today - head gasket leak  :( ah well at least it'll get sorted now.

[paul.h]

The 1.4 petrol engines are known for oil leaks from the head gasket. The oil way through the gasket has a rubber insert which can perish over time and leak oil out at the front left corner as you look at the engine from the front. It may be wise to replace the timing belt at the same time since it will be removed to replace the gasket and could have been contaminated by the oil leak.