So I am occasionally seeing small drops of red oil or fluid underneath the car when it is parked overnight.

The drops seem to be in the center/right side of the engine compartment back of the front passenger-side tire.

Is this possibly power steering fluid and is there a hose in that neighborhood? (I know the pump is on the left)

Would transmission fluid leak on the center right side near the wheel? Seems unlikely?

Any other source of red fluid in the center, right-rear side of the engine area?

In short, what is everyone's best guess as to where the fluid may be coming from and since it is only every other day or so is can it wait a while?

No other problems are evident in steering, shifting, etc.

Thanks.

 

It sounds as if the quantity is insufficient to be a concern but is more of a nuisance.

Leaked fluid can run along pipes before it drops to the ground and can also be blown away from the source whilst driving.

Here's the steering system schematic:



(click on the image to enlarge it)

You're going to have to get underneath to check for possible sources. Unless there anything loose or split (unlikely with it only being a small leak), cleaning off will probably be necessary to pinpoint it.

Graham

 

Unless you have had the transmission fluid changed it can only be power steering. The factory transmission fluid is gold, both in color and price.