Coolant
1. A leak in the cooling system is usually detected by a white or rust-colored coating in the area adjacent to the leak.
2. Carefully check the radiator and coolant hoses along the entire length. Replace hoses with cracks, tears or signs of ageing. Cracks are easier to find if the hose is pinched. Pay special attention to the clamps that attach the hoses to the elements of the cooling system. Hose clamps that have been overtightened can cause the hose to break or puncture, resulting in leaks in the cooling system.
3. Inspect all components of the cooling system (hoses, connector surfaces, etc.) for leaks. If any problems of this nature are found with the components of the system, then replace this component or gasket.
Fuel
Fuel leaks are difficult to pinpoint until the leak is significant and therefore easily visible. Fuel tends to evaporate quickly as soon as it comes into contact with air, especially in a hot engine bay. Small drops may disappear before you can locate the leak. If you suspect that there is a fuel leak in the area of the engine compartment, then cool the engine and start it while it is cold with the hood open. Metal parts tend to shrink when cold, rubber hoses tend to loosen up so any leaks will be more obvious while the engine is warming up from a cold start.
1. Check all fuel line connections to the fuel line, fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter. Check each rubber fuel hose along its entire length for breaks or cracks. Check for leaks from corrugated joints between rubber and metal fuel lines. Check connections between metal fuel lines and fuel filter housing. Also check the area around the fuel injectors for signs of an annular leak.
2. To determine fuel leaks between the fuel tank and the engine compartment, the vehicle must be raised. Inspect the tank and filler hose for punctures, cracks, or other damage. This connection is especially unreliable.
3. Carefully check all rubber hoses and metal fuel lines coming from the tank. Check for loose connections, degraded hoses, twisted fuel lines, and other damage. Pay special attention to vent pipes and hoses, which often twist around the filler hose and can become blocked, making the tank difficult to fill. Follow the fuel supply and return hoses to the front of the vehicle, carefully inspecting them completely for signs of damage or corrosion. Replace damaged sections as needed.
Engine oil
Inspect the area around the cylinder head cover, oil filter and sump parting surfaces. Be aware that very little leakage can occur in this area over time and so what you are really looking for is signs of a major leak caused by a ruptured gasket. Engine oil leaking from under the timing belt cover or clutch housing may be a sign of worn crankshaft or transmission input shaft o-rings. If a leak is found, replace the defective gasket or oil seal.
Automatic transmission oil
Check the hoses leading to the oil cooler in front of the engine compartment for leaks. Look for defects caused by corrosion and damage from contact with the ground or dirt thrown off the road surface. Gear oil is usually red in color.
Fluid in the power steering system
1. Check the hose located between the supply tank and the power steering pump and the return hose from the control shelf to the supply tank. Also check the high pressure hose between the pump and the control shelf.
2. Check the hoses leading to the fluid cooler in front of the engine compartment (in some models). Look for defects caused by corrosion and damage from contact with the ground or dirt thrown off the road surface.
3. Pay special attention to the bellows and the area surrounding the hoses, which are secured with adjustable steering gear brackets. Like gear oil, this fluid is red in color.
Air conditioner (coolant)
The air conditioning system is filled with high pressure coolant. If the air conditioning system is opened and depressurized without the help of special equipment, the liquid will immediately evaporate. If the liquid comes into contact with your skin, it can cause severe frostbite.
All suspicious air conditioning system leaks should be reported to a Peugeot dealer or air conditioning specialist immediately. A leak can be detected by a noticeable steady drop in the coolant level.
Attention! Moisture on the condenser drain pipe (gas cooler) under the car immediately after using the air conditioner is normal and should not be cause for concern.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid is a poisonous substance with a watery consistency. The new liquid is almost colorless, but it will darken with time and heavy use.
1. Check the area where the brake pipes connect to the brake master cylinder for leaks. Check the area around the base of the nutrient tank for signs of leakage caused by a defective gasket. Also examine the brake line couplings in the ABS hydraulic unit.
2. If fluid loss is evident but the leak cannot be pinpointed, the engine compartment, brake caliper and brake lines should be carefully checked with the vehicle raised. A fluid leak from the brake system is a serious damage that must be repaired immediately.
Unidentified fluid leaks
If there are signs of any fluid leaking, but you cannot recognize the type of fluid or the exact origin, then you should leave the car for a long time and put a large piece of paper or rag under the car. This will help you find where the fluid is leaking and will also help you identify the leaking fluid by color. But keep in mind that some leaks may only show up when the engine is running.
Vacuum hoses
Although the braking system is hydraulic, the brake booster increases the amount of force applied to the brake pedal by exploiting the intake manifold vacuum created by the engine. The vacuum is transferred to the booster via a large section hose. Any leak in this hose will reduce the effectiveness of the braking system.
In addition, many of the components, especially emission control components, are powered by a vacuum created in the intake manifold through small gauge hoses. A leak in the vacuum hose means that air is being sucked into the hose (does not come out of the hose), and this makes the leak very difficult to detect. The detection method is to use an old vacuum hose as a kind of stethoscope: hold one end of the hose close to your ear (but not in the ear), and use the other end to examine the area around the suspected leak. When the end of the hose is directly over the leak, a hissing sound will be clearly audible through the hose. Contact with hot and moving parts must be avoided as The engine must be running during the test. Replace any leaking vacuum hoses found.