I was replacing the drive belt on my roomates 2007 Toyota Solara 2.4 inline 4 engine when it sprung a leak underneath one of the upper belt gears. We have deduced that it is most likely power steering fluid from it's light red coloring and it doesn't smell or look like the trans fluid or coolant. While everything is still full in the reservoirs the fluid has stopped gushing out and now occasionally drips out. I'm assuming this isn't normal, does anyone have any idea on what I did wrong? I'm assuming I may have nicked a power steering line, gonna take it to a shop tomorrow. Also I was replacing the belt because it started to fray and tear.
I assume when you said gear (which has teeth) , you meant pulley.
No, it's not normal for fluids to leak.
I can't tell you what wrong without seeing it. Take a photo of the leak please. Unless you make it to a shop first.
Sorry I should have grabbed a pick, the leak is coming out from one of the smooth upper gears.
From the diagram it seems that it's coming from Underneath the water pump pulley. Which makes me think the water pump which is already had issues with the bearings wearing out. That night be it
ok. gears mesh with other gears. If there's a belt wrapped around it, then it's called a pulley.
If the fluid is thin like water, not thick like oil, then you are likely correct and need a new water pump. Especially if the pulley feels loose.