Power steering leak near firewall - 1997 Dodge Intrepid

It would help to know the vehicle make model and year. Most thermostat housings have a sensor. The reservoir for power steering is near the power steering pump closer to the front of the engine. At the firewall you should see at least one reservoir and that would be for the brakes. If there is another reservoir on the firewall, it will be for the clutch for a manual transmission.

What would you like us to guess at, a hose that
leaks or other leak ?

It simply has to be resolved

On top of the power steering pump. Right near the firewall, on the passenger side
of the car. Its the closest thing to the firewall with the belt going around it.

This sounds like the hydroboost unit is leaking.behind the master cylinderThe braking system on this using the power steering pump to provide power assisted brakes instead of a brake booster. The hydroboost unit most likely needs replaced.

What is going on when the water leaks?

wash it all down let dry or blown dry, fill with fluid start car and have someone slowly turn wheel as u watch. the rack can be bad but be careful these cars the metal line to rack near firewall rot and leak it can fool you, remove the cover that covers lines by were u see leak to get a better look,may just be a line,alot cheaper than a rackinpinion gear, hope this helps.

the power steering reservoir is under the altnator and idler pully on the bottom near the fire wall...this is by far the stupidest place every to put such a thing!!!!

Three areas of concern. A leaking steering rack: By looking under the car, look for the rods which tie the left and right wheels together in the center. By turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right, you can look behind the front wheels 1/2 way down and you will see the rod I am referring to. Following the rod to it source of attachment, it will have a rubber bellows type cover surrounding is as it gets near the center of the car. If the rubber is torn and has oily residue, that is where you are loosing your power steering fluid. It is a leaking power steering rack. A fairly expensive repair, best left to a professional. Buying a used one is a real crapshoot because they are very prone to failure as they get older.
2. The high pressure hoses will leak on these cars. It is difficult to see these without putting the car on a lift because the pump is on the firewall side of the engine. If you notice the fluid dripping near the pump, it is a higher probability than not that it is the high pressure hose than the pump. Also look at the return hose coming from the reservoir, Sometimes the clamps aren't that tight and it will cause a leak, but your description sounds like a leak under pressure.

power steering fluid is added on back side of engine near firewall on right side (if lookin at engine backside on left.

in the power steering pump on the belt side of motor on bottom near firewall. It's hard to reach.