Transmission or power steering leak

I've been noticing a spot in the driveway and on the street. I crawled under my Tribute and saw a drip spot about 2 feet back from the front bumper in the center. It sure looks like tranny fluid or power steering fluid. They do use the same type fluid don't they? It was more red than brown.<br>I called the service dept and asked about a loaner and was told they couldn't take it until the 11th! I said you didn't really mean Ocotber and they said- yes- October. That sucks!!! I called the sales manager who I purchased the car from and he's not in until tomorrow. <br>I have my Trib since April 9. The service manager was gone for the day so I wasn't able to speak to him. I bitched about the fact that this is going to continue to leak for the next few weeks and might cause more damage which they have to pay for.<br>I'm going to call the sales manager first and then the service manager.<br>Has anyone else had a similar problem and also been put off about getting a loaner? That's not right at all!

Hey LKR,<br><br>I love my tribby but I am SO UNIMPRESSED with my service department. <br><br>I know that the Tribute has alot of people who are interested in, searching for, and paying full price for them. I also understand this to be a major part of the reason that the dealerships will not even hear reasonable offers because there is such a demand and they in turn command top dollar. However, I do not understand why the service part of it seems to be lacking! Not necessarily rude or unprofessional but like the just don't care and you just have to wait OH WELL! <br><br>I wish I could understand it-but after dealing with another dealership's service department (toyota) and never having a complaint, being called to advise of statuses or problems, getting my car in for the soonest appointment for symptoms that seemed serious and being provided loaners for serious repairs-I just don't understand what happened with Mazda....<br><br>BTW, now that I consider it, I still have not received my survey....<br><br>Lily11224

Hi LKR,<br><br>I was on the Mazda USA site, noticed this blurb about the roadside assistance program and remembered your questions about the loaner. I know this states it is for the 2002 but the roadside assistance program has not changed since 2001. BTW, my tribby has been in twice and each time, they offered the loaner. <br><br>Hope this helps...<br><br>As part of our commitment to your total satisfaction, Tribute owners are automatically enrolled in our Emergency Roadside Assistance Service Program for the duration of the 36-month/50,000-mile limited warranty. Dead battery? Locked out? When the unexpected happens, this 24-hour service will provide just about any assistance necessary to get your car back on the road and minimize any inconvenience. In many cases, owners of 2002 Mazda vehicles being repaired under warranty will be eligible for the free Mazda Loaner Car Program. For complete details, see your Mazda Dealer.

I stopped at my friend's automotive shop a little while ago. It turns out the leak is from the rack and pinion. There's also a whole bunch of thick grease globs on the inner left cv boot.<br>I called the service dept and spoke to the service manager. They initially first told me October 11 if I wanted a loaner but now they'll take it on Tuesday.<br>My friend who has owned a Mobil service station for years was surprised that I'm already having a rack and pinion problem. I just hope Mazda's service dept fixes it.