2008 3.4S Cayman fluid leak *Help needed*

Hi guys, can anyone here help. Please!! My 2008 Cayman 3.4S has just developed a leak. I have got the car on ramps and took the under tray off and it looks like clear fluid is leaking from somewhere above the water pump and running down the hoses.It's getting dark here now so I can't invetigate further until tomorrow. It's not oil, the fluid is clear and a little sticky after it's been on my hands. There has been an intermittent grinding noise coming from either the water pump or the pulleys over the last couple of weeks that happens around 2000 revs. So I assumed the water pump was starting to let go. Iput some red weld/water pump lubricator in it 2 weeks ago ahead of setting time aside to replace the pump and thermostat. The car is holding temp but through experience I know that the temp' senders don't register a rise in temperature it the coolant is low/gone. I do not want to risk the 300 mile trip I have to do tomorrow with work. Thanks in advance!

intermittent grinding either the water pump or the pulleys over the last couple of weeks that happens around 2000 revs. Grinding plus fluid points directly at the water pump. Pull the rear access panel and check said pump for moisture and play in the shaft. Check the fluid level, top off if needed and recheck for a drop. You might want to check it before more driving before you get stranded or lose a head gasket. You also don't want impeller chips to wedge in cooling channels, get this while it's little because it can lead to very expensive issues, I'd wave off on the 300 mile trip.

Thanks! There are 3 things that are throwing me; 1. Why is the fluid clear and not blue as it was topped up with anti-freeze around 2 months ago 2.Why is the leak seemingly above the waterpump and the clear liquid is dribbling down the hoses that go into the w/pump. 3. After getting the liquid on my hands and washing it off - my hands feel sticky.

Not Power Steering fluid?

How would you tell and why would it suddenly spew out?

The reported grinding is the key. Whether it's something in the steering rack or the water pump said noise indicates something is amiss. Steering racks can leak fluid, check both fluid levels and monitor them, loss is loss it's going to show up in one reservoir. Also, I'd expect the steering to be influenced by a leak as you describe, change in the feel.

I was also going to suggest power steering fluid. The reservoir is known to crack with age and it is located high and front on the engine.

No change in steering feel. The grinding was an intermittent 3 second long sound which would then vanish for 10 plus seconds. I'll check fluid levels in the morningwith the inspection panel removed and ascertain if it's coolant or power steering fluid pissing out. Thanks for your help!!

If power steering fluid is clear and dries to a sticky feel this could be it. I find it odd that the "low coolant level" light hasn't triggered nor does the engine temperature gauge rise.

One more technique that may help, put a sheet of white paper under the leak, the color of the fluid will be more apparent and identification may be enhanced.

UPDATE I've taken the engine top cover off and the power steering reservoir has nothing in it. It's dry as a bone. So, either the reservoir is cracked, a pipe has let go or the pump has gone. THANKS for the help guys. Hopefully it'll be sorted very soon.

It's good that you found it. Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

With it dumping all the power steering fluid is it likely to be the reservoir or the pump itself. 2008 79k miles.

More likely the reservoir.

Try not to run your engine until you get power steering fluid into that reservoir. Use a syringe to carefully add the fluid, as not a lot is needed, but in your case, maybe more as your pump may be shot as well as the reservoir case. You might find that you will need to open the inspection plate behind the seats to see the pump. Sorry, I cannot copy the PDF instructions from the manual for you,

I tracked a 2005 Boxster S years ago. The line from the steering pump melted twice (I believe the mechanics said it was due to high rpm’s). Just a thought that the leak may be the hose. Hope that helps.