Hatteras Guy,

Thanks for the reply. In looking closer last night, it looks like I had two related problems, both with the low-pressure return hose to the power-steering pump. The clamp on the lower end of the hose (where it fits over the metal "cooling line" that runs out to in front of the radiator) wasn't tight. So I think this is the source for most, if not all, of the fluid that dripped out. It still surprises me a bit that the leaking fluid apparently ran down along the length of the cooling pipe, including the horizontal section that is in front of the radiator, but I don't see any other source. The outcome of this leak was that most of the length of the cooling pipe in front of the radiator was covered in gunk, and also that excess fluid also dripped from there onto the ground.

The second thing I found was a small crack in the upper end of the same return hose, just outside of the clamped area (i.e., just past where the metal pipe from the power steering pump ends). This little crack was oozing a small amount of fluid. I don't think this is/was enough to account for all of the gunk on the cooling pipe, since there was no real sign of dripping from the little crack. But, it is enough so that I will replace the hose, rather than simply tighten up the loose clamp on the lower end.

Interestingly, the hose itself costs $41 (for a 1 meter length, which is probably enough for two cars) at the dealer, even though it is basically just a plain rubber hose of 12mm ID. A couple of online vendors have it at around $24 (also a 1 meter section), but I also found one vendor who sells it for $14. I could probably just buy some generic hose at Kragen for less, but I ended up ordering the $14 hose.

I am hoping that there is no other problem with the metal cooling line itself.