If you can't find anything leaking out of the engine, it sounds like power steering fluid leaking from the steering box.
could be powersteering or brake fluid from the sounds of it
maybe waterpump
Hi. I have a 96 Chevy 1500 8cyl (not a 4 wheel drive) and has an automatic tranny (which was replaced about 5000 miles ago). Some fluid is leaking from the driver's side (under the hood) that smells like burnt rubber, is dark (I'm color blind so I can't tell the color), and has an oily feel to it. It appears to be coming from somewhere on the side of the engine (closest to the drivers side of the truck). The truck drives fine, shifts through the gears smoothly, etc. I noticed the fluid twice when I was backing up. Drips, then it will accumulate into a small puddle once parked. It appears to stop leaking when parked...I checked under the truck in the morning and whatever it was was dried up and the stain left on the ground didn't get any bigger. I have cleaned the engine (degreaser) to the best of my ability and for the life of me, cant find or figure out where the leak is. Any suggestions as to what it could be, and what the cost to fix it would be if it was the problem you suggested (keeping in mind I'd have to take it to a mechanic). If it helps I was told it is a small block 8cyl, has a timing chain, and the truck has 224,500 miles. Thanks for any suggestions
