Mysterious Power Steering Fluid Loss

[Zippo]

I recently noticed a mechanical noise coming from the rear of the 2002 Boxster S when I would make turn. However, initially, it would only do it a few turns out of the garage.

I then got in one day could feel it in the steering wheel and the sound didn't stop so I parked it. I suspected it was the power steering. I checked the power steering fluid and it was low. (Key point: There was no power steering fluid on the garage floor and none in the engine compartment area.) I topped it off and there is no more noise. :drive:

Question - Where did the power steering fluid go? What am I missing? Zippo

[Tool Pants]

How much power steering fluid did you add.

It is normal hear hear a noise in a garage while turning the wheel. I even think it is in the owners manual.

Unless you have a Lexis.

[Zippo]

How much power steering fluid did you add.

It is normal hear hear a noise in a garage while turning the wheel.  I even think it is in the owners manual. 

Unless you have a Lexis.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tool Pants - Thanks for the reply.

I think it was about 1/2 pint. The noise was definitely unusual and mechanical. It stopped with the addition of fluid.

However, it is odd that there is no spillage in the engine area or garage floor.

Someone mentioned that it could be a leak into a power steering boot and, if that is so, then I need a more permanent fix. What do you think. Zippo

[Tool Pants]

Since you most likely have a warranty take it to your dealer and have them check it out.

I have a leak from the seals in my power steering rack with my January 1997. Easy to tell. There is nothing on the ground. The fluid fills up the boot. Remove the small clamp and it runs out of the boot.

[Orient Express]

The mineral oil that is used for the PS pump can evaporate over time as well as leak. My C2 cab would make groaning noises from the steering when it was cold. turned out I was about 20cc low on PS fluid. also make sure that you only use the specified PS fluid. It is the same stuff that is used for VW, and audi.