Power Steering puddle under my car after first start in 6 months

[FFWD]

Trying to prepare myself for what to expect after noticing a puddle under the car after starting it. Seems to be collecting in the skid plate and leaking out of a crack near the passenger side. I can't see any fluid sprayed or leaking anywhere from looking into the engine bay, not even near the reservoir. What's the most common failure - please say a hose end at the steering column that can be fixed with just a new hose, LOL.

Also, I need to get it the car onto my 4-post lift without dripping PS fluid everywhere. Which of these 2 options is better, or is there another option?

1. remove the accessory belt to stop the PS fluid from pumping
2. drain the PS fluid and run the pump "dry" - will the residual fluid provide enough lubrication to avoid damage?

[PSUEng]

If it were me, I'd check the inlet/outlet to the cooler behind the radiator/condensor (easy), then move on to pulling the airbox and check underneath the reservoir. Then, visually you can see down to the connections at the rack. If you have a ruptured line somewhere, you may have to get under it. But I'd make sure the reservoir is full; I would not do either of your two options. These reservoirs are known to leak with age so it's highly likely your problem.

EDIT: you can also check the connections at the pump from up top too; if I recall, the airbox being out makes it very easy.

[FFWD]

If it were me, I'd check the inlet/outlet to the cooler behind the radiator/condensor (easy), then move on to pulling the airbox and check underneath the reservoir. Then, visually you can see down to the connections at the rack. If you have a ruptured line somewhere, you may have to get under it. But I'd make sure the reservoir is full; I would not do either of your two options. These reservoirs are known to leak with age so it's highly likely your problem.

EDIT: you can also check the connections at the pump from up top too; if I recall, the airbox being out makes it very easy.

I took the airbox out and can't see any fresh fluid sprayed anywhere on the driver's side of the engine bay including the skid plate. The reservoir had a slow leak so there is a lot of goop crusted on it and the line, but nothing fresh. The only thing I can see from the engine bay is that the skid plate is wet on the passenger side. So wherever it's leaking from, it's on the passenger side. Guess I'll be removing the belts after all to drive it up on my 4-post lift so I have the clearance to drop the skid plate and see what I need to replace. BTQ, there was no puddle underneath the car before I started it. I know because my coolant looked a little low so I added some and was checking for leaks.

[jayjaya29]

Its probably leaking from the high pressure line that goes in front of the rack.

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[timpnw]

If it's one the passenger side, then check around this arm. it's the only PS line on that side of the car.

[FFWD]

I still haven't been able to get under the car yet, but I sure hope it's just one of the hoses. Can the rack itself leak from the ends where the boots are?

Also, does anyone know if the hard pipes #4 come pre-bent? Are they just like the hard brake pipes and use the same fittings? Because I have spare copper nickel lines I bought to replace my rear lines.