Help with my moms car

Earlier today I bought a used tire for her car for 10 buck so she could get it to a gas station for two new front tires and when I put the tire on notice there was some oil on the ground(car was sitting in the garage for two weeks) which was not much, like the size of the bottom of a gatorade bottle. So I drove the car to put some air in the tire and I just decide to pop the hood and I seen smoke come outwhere the powersterring fluid and belts located at.

Some people think that it's leaking because its been sitting there for a while and or the oil filter is loose.

The car never had a oil leak before. Just to mention she needs a new rack and pinion so I heard it has something to do with the engine oil some how.

The car is a 2000 ford taurus with 126,000 miles with a 3.0 liter 24 valve duratec engine.

Any help is very appreciated!

Sounds like a power steering fluid leak. Check for cracks in the hoses...and check the clamps. Power steering fluid can look like oil when it's dirty, so that may be what was under the car. Good luck

Put a piece of white paper under the car where the fluid leak is at. If it is dirty powersteering fluid the paper will take on a red hue. If it's motor oil then it'll stay the nasty color.

ITS A FORD...thats the problem....

lol, my uncle says that alot.

<<< I know from experience lol

Aside from it being a Ford,the Taures is noted for leaky stearing racks I know we took a 98 in trade and the rack had to be replaced because of a major leak.Chico.

Well I put a piece of white paper under it and its dark brown and I got under the car and I dont know what it is but its leaking from some box looking thing, its on the right side of the transmission pan and any suggestions on what that box thing is.

(Leak comes from the middle of the car kinda.)

and chico how much was it to replace the steering rack.