The car dumped its power steering all out. I looked under the hood and I would say that I am 90% sure that it's coming from the oil cooler. There is a pretty fresh puddle starting directly underneath it. Is this common or do I need to keep looking?

 

Going out on a big limb here.

ASSUMING its a V12??, and the cooler is tucked in the LH engine mount bracket, then YES, the coolers do fracture, but, more common is the 2 hoses that attach to it. They get hard and brittle, and due to the sharp bends, crack and split.

I have eliminated those silly things on all mine and run Synthetic ATF in the steer system, and change it annually. Been fine for 16+ years now.

I suggest added your vehicle details to your signature via the CP tab in the top lh corner. That way us "old" guys can stop guessing, and those that read, and dont answer, due to no vehicle details, may just stop and add some assistance. Works for all of us.

 

Could be large leak in high pressure house as well. Happened to me

 

after my high pressure hose fix i had a slight leak at the connection to the oil cooler. Just tightened the clamp a bit and she has been just fine.

You DO need to look since you asked. Don't just condemn the oil cooler because there is a puddle on the ground. All of the power steering is in the same area and its over the cradle which can mean a leak from point A,B,C, or D will all end up with a puddle in the same place.

Remove the air filter lid and you can see most of the system. If you cant determine because it is too messy clean it and let it leak some more

 

Grant, yes, V12 and yes, I took the LH air filter assy out, topped it off with fluid, started the car, turned the wheels to the right and then popped my head under the hood. Under the middle of the lower section of the oil cooler, there was fresh fluid dripping. I was mostly just making sure that the oil coolers are items that occasionally fail. I don't know the car that well.

I thought it was a hose at first before I examined it but the leak would be more toward the end of the oil cooler, correct?? Mostly just trying to make sure I'm probably on the correct path.

You said that you just eliminated the oil cooler? Exciting! Tell me more.