Since I bought the car a year ago I noticed a coolant smell when I turn on the heater but I after a couple seconds it goes away; thought nothing of it. Then a week ago I noticed a coolant leak. Didn't know where it was coming from but there was a small puddle on the driveway, but never inside the car. I lose about 12 ounces of fluid every two to three days. I always top it off when it gets below the line. So I finally take it in to a mechanic I don't know, thinking it might be the heater core but the mech says he can't find a leak anywhere. He thinks itis the lower hose, being that it's in pretty rough shape. Question 1: If I replace the hose myself (he wanted $90 + another $90 to flush the system) do I need to flush the system?
Also, I just noticed a noise when I turn the wheels. Checked the PS fluid and it's a tad low. Mech says the steering rack is definately leaking, and that's $400 plus $400 labor. To his dismay, I politely declined. I'm thinking I'll just keep the fluid up to level until I can get the rack replaced. I'm also a little suspicious-after reading through some forums-that it might just be a loose hose or weak clamp or something. Question 2: Can I drive the car if the rack is leaking? Question 3: Any suggestions as where to look for possible causes of these leaks? Thanks for reading.
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