What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

So an oil change was going to be done.
Car is jacked up- while its at an angle oil comes pouring out.
We put the car back down- and try to figure out what just happened.
This fluid is not engine oil. though it is a bit dark.
We trace it back to this area. in the picture we can see the serpentine belt. we can also see some of the fluid on the hose.
Why did it leak so suddenly? Did we jack up the car from the wrong place?
http://home.earthlink.net/~rbarrios2/mazda+3+002.jpg

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

From your pic, I can't really tell what you're referring to. I see some dirt around the valve cover, which is normal, and some oil smudges on the mm bracket, which isn't abnormal.
Can you identify the fluid your seeing? Could it be PS or brake fluid?
It could just be some dirty water that got trapped under there too. I've seen that before in my own car.

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

im sorry...
Im referring to the metallic colored brace- it has that circular rubber thing in the middle and 2 bolts/nuts coming out of it.
I used my fingers and paper towel and it is not water. I thought power steering fluid... but its level is still ok in the reservoir.
It is definitely coming out of the bottom of this bracket/rubber circle thing.

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

i just reread your post virgin1. mm bracket. I guess it is a motor mount bracket.

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

That's where the power steering motor and pump are located. If the levelis OK, maybe it was over full. I had that happen to mine once alsoafter jacking up the car. Mine has been OK ever since.
Keep an eye on it, but I wouldn't worry too much about it either.
BTW, and for your own information, that bracket and round rubber thingy is your #3 engine mount assem... just so you know. ;)

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

Saw your message about the PS pump being located in that area.
With engine running we turned the wheels left and right.
You can hear the pump work as the wheels are turned. But no leak from the pump or the pumps reservoir.
The fluid/oil definitely came from the bottom of this mount.
Are the mounts fluid filled?

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

Not to my knowledge. I believe they are a simple rubber bushing....

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

update.

car was taken to dealer.
#3 mount was leaking oil/fluid.
it was replaced under warranty.

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

Hey!! Good info, and thanks for posting it, rbarrios!! I did not know that the mounts, orTHAT mount was oil filled before.
Did you notice a rough idle or running after it leaked, or any changes at all?

I wonder now if that's what I was seeing that time? But I have a hard rear mount (#1) in so I get some vibration anyway.

RE: What is this- and why is it leaking?
 

No, didnt notice any change. just the spilled oil.
Maybe it had not spilled all of its oil.