Leaking fluid and noise, verdict?

[John Davis]

My car has started to make a whining noise when I accelerate/turn and decelerate/turn.
Noise is less noticeable when driving at higher speeds.
Car is also leaking small amounts of dark brownish fluid near right front tire.

I do not know much about cars, do not think its oil, maybe transmission or steering fluid?
Would like to have some idea of problem before I take it to a shop.
Here are the sounds:



boomp3.com/listen/bkc3aiz/start

boomp3.com/listen/d41wnkb/idle

boomp3.com/listen/enrq0ln/stop


Any thoughts or helpful hints are appreciated.
Its a 94 Nissan Maxima.
150K miles.

[way2old]

From listening to your problem and the description you gave, I think the power steering fluid is what has leaked out. Yhis will cause the reservoir to be low and cause the whining noise while turning. You can top off the fluid and drive the car to see if noise lessens. The repair can be anywhere from a piece of rubber hose to the high pressure lint, pump to thr rack and pinion system. If you can look closely at the area, you may be able to pinpoint your leak and be able to repair yourself.

[John Davis]

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

Purchased Prestone Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak and will give that a try to see if noise and leak stops.
I did notice a hose, top right, close to passenger side, that was soaked on outside. Wiped it off, will check to see if external coating re-appears.

Hopefully, it will be a minor inexpensive repair.

Thank you for taking the time to help, very much appreciated.