71blackbird

2000 C5. While working under the dash I noticed fluid dripping around the base of the steering column where it passes through the firewall. I have a bit of an issue with color so I grabbed a sample and asked the wife what color it was. She says green. Also, I'm running global antifreeze. I'm quite sure the heater core is on the passenger side. So, I'm a bit baffled as to what this can be. I don't think it is brake fluid but you never know. The brake pedal plunger is dry. It is difficult to tell if it is antifreeze or some sort of oil as they have the same texture and feel. Any ideas? Is there any engine coolant passing through the driver side that would drip down on the steering column?

SuperTom

The anti freeze for c5's is supposed to be the orange color. Hopefully someone didn't put In the wrong antifreeze and mess your car up

corvettebob1

Actually your heater core sits right in the middle of the dash however I doubt what your seeing is coolant.
If your heater core leaks it leaks out on the passenger side by design, what you may be seeing is melted lube from inside the column itself.

3sACROWD

You might show your wife the various fluids for the car and see if she can make a match. It seems odd that it would be coolant in that area but anything is possible. Anything wet under the hood or drips on the garage floor?

Is your car an auto or manual? My friend had a leak from her clutch MC which leaked into the footwell. I'm guessing auto since you stated you looked at the brake pedal plunger.

Good thought on the lube for the column. Do you have telescopic column?

71blackbird

corvettebob, interesting point. It has been much warmer than normal and the garage is certainly quite warm. I'll be honest, I don't know how long the fluid has been there. The fluid makes no sense to me either as I assumed no coolant is "in the area". The only thing above it is the HUD. I greatly appreciate the responses. I have a picture but don't see the icon to post it!

71blackbird

Finally able to join photobucket and get the picture uploaded. Any ideas?

corvettebob1

Still sticking by my post in #3 it's melted lube from the column.

71blackbird

Corvettebob, I'll go with it. I don't know how long it has been there and it has been very warm lately (particularly in the garage).

3RD-INF

Your C5, does it have telescoping steering column? If it does, you might have a look at that.

coxjajb

the leak is from the steering wheel position sensor. I just had mine replaced.

PNW Vett

Although the SWPS is indeed in the picture (light green and white piece), there is no fluid in the SWPS. It is an electronic part and if there is fluid in it, there is definitely a problem of some kind but not because it is "leaking".

71blackbird

It is a telescoping steering column but I would have to agree that there would be no fluid in the SWPS! ***, what makes you think it is the SWPS? What was the cost of replacement?

coxjajb

I understand there is no fluid in the sensor. Mine was replaced because the active handling would engage at highway speeds while in a straight line. Mine looked just like yours. The tech told me there is grease inside the sensor. No one needs to tell me there is or is not fluid or grease or anything else in the sensor. I'm not a tech. I don't know if there is anything in there or not. I do know, from personally viewing my old sensor, there was something coming out of it. It ran down the firewall and looked just like yours. I no longer have the "whatever it is" on the firewall and the active handling is fixed. The cost was $700

71blackbird

Again, the responses are greatly appreciated. ***, it makes more sense to me now that you explained the situation. And, 8Veete7, I appreciate the heads-up with the part availability.

coxjajb

I wouldn't worry about it as long as it's working.