Expert: Rob Painter - 11/6/2008

Question
Hello, and thank you for this excellent source of info. I have two questions... each needing equal attention.

My 2002 cadillac seville STS has about 88,000 miles on it. When I drive at highway speeds, I'll smell faint burning rubber scent from under the hood. it's only been recently (about a week ot two)... what could that mean?

Also... I do have a power steering fluid leak. This has been for months... maybe twice a week I refill the fluid reservoir with power steering fluid w/ stop leak. It hasnt slowed much unless it's cold. I'd like to fix it... but i dont know how much it'll run me... also i'm not sure it could have anything to do with the smell because it's been like that for months.

If you could educate me on what i could be facing... i'd appreciate it! Thank You!

Answer
Hello Jay,

Obviously both these questions do not fit within my expertise as an expert on ignition/key based anti-theft systems such as transponders and other ignition disable devices, but being I have worked as a tech for over 30 years, I will try to politely deal with your very general questions.

As for the burning smell under the hood, it could relate to your power steering leak.

You may have had your windows down in the past, but now that it is getting colder, you close your windows and the smell is more prevalent.

I would never recommend putting stop leak in a power steering system. The reason your leak is not as great when cold is that fluids thicken up (especially stop leak in the cold). Stop leak is not a repair and is meant only as a temporary emergency fix.

The power steering system is under very high pressure. A loose clamp could cause a leak on the high pressure side. Power steering fluid is flammable and under the right conditions spraying and pooling on an exhaust manifold can cause a flame. Since the complete engine area is filled with plastic combustibles, it is possible under the right conditions to initiate an engine fire. Have I seen this happen? Yes.

These days many of us are struggling economically and don't have the extra money to put into the car. There are some things that we can put off for repairs and there are others we should not. The power steering system can be as important as brake issues.

As for the repair costs, who knows? There is no way on the Internet to diagnose the problem. Go to the parts store. Get some non-flammable engine degreaser. With the engine off, but warm, spray the engine area and underneath the engine. Rinse. Start engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth a number of times. Shut engine off and look for leak.
Tell a mechanic what you found. You may have damaged the system by the constant use of stop leak and the system may need flushed and there may now be internal damage to the system.
Stop leak is ONLY for an emergency repair.

Good luck,

Rob