When I turn the wheel right & left there is a clunking noise off the steering. The steering rack is bone dry and the fluid was down approx. 20mm I topped up with rack sealing fluid but the clunk is still there and the fluid has not dropped. (2012 Multijet diesel 1.3 van). I also noticed a weeping of oil from the front bottom LHS (if sitting in the drivers seat), as I have spent the last 4 yrs trying to find a workshop manual on it I don't know what its coming from. I don't know if its a diff or a gearbox. Thanks, any help is welcome

Hiya fiatfior,
Check its not coming from the steering rack gaiter when the steerings on lock....my rack failed, and I had a oil leak which was just untraceable.....turned out the steering fluid was being forced out of the end bellows when they were compressed on turning.... Stop Leak was useless, had a new rack assy under warranty.........
Happy New Year.
Cheers Qube O.

Qube O said:

Hiya fiatfior,
Check its not coming from the steering rack gaiter when the steerings on lock....my rack failed, and I had a oil leak which was just untraceable.....turned out the steering fluid was being forced out of the end bellows when they were compressed on turning.... Stop Leak was useless, had a new rack assy under warranty.........
Happy New Year.
Cheers Qube O.

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Thanks Qube O
I had a look and could just see on the passengers side a very very faint dampness darker colour on the dust at the end of the steering rack gaiter compared to the drivers side which is totally damp free. I have to admit last month was the first time I checked the steering fluid as prior to that it was under warranty, I've only got myself to blame.
Anyway, is there a drain cock on the system as I don't have any tech info like a manual

Hi, No drain cock, and the ram leaks through to the rack which is underneath, it's all a one piece assy'. Only real option is to change/replace the whole shooting match......no idea as to cost as mine was a warranty claim.....

Its not a great leak and the noise is more annoying than anything else. As a possible repair I'll steal the wife's turkey baster and suck 'out the old and in with the new'. I'll also add some 'leak repair' of a different brand to see if it improves. I also heard adding just a spot of brake fluid to the steering fluid to the steering fluid can also be used to stop leaks at the rubber seals.

Hey Ho,
Anythings worth a try...........good luck, let us know how you get on.
Cheers Qube O.

I had another look as to the cause of the noise and was thinking a possible ball joint because it sounded as if it was coming from the passengers side.
This time I had someone wobble the steering and have found its coming from the Strut Spring. Each time the steering is turned there is a jerk off the spring as if when it rotates there is a dryness not allowing it to rotate smoothly. I also checked the drivers side and it rotates a lot smoother.


Anyone with similar. I know I may have to dismantle the strut. May be just a bit of lubrication required.

Top Bearings............stack on here about it.
Cheers Qube O.