[Jameser]

1998 9-3 SE
I have a coolant leak, steering fluid leak, and found two plastic things rolling around in the engine (see photos). Does anyone know what they are and if they are related?

Not a mechanic at all. Will need to take it to the same shop that did both the radiator and steering work. Sad and annoyed, payed to good coin to have both issues fixed this year. Not sure if there is anything perhaps I can do myself.

Slow coolant leak: gets low every 200miles or week or so. The radiator and associated hoses were replaced a year ago to stop a slow leak. (~$600)

Steering fluid leak: steering rack and tie rods were replaced 2 months ago to fix a major leak. They said the rack had cracked. (~$1400)

Plastic things: were resting side by side on a flat piece of metal below and to the left of coolant tank (when facing the car), directly below the steering fluid tank. The yellow one says 3/8 on top.

Any info and input welcome! Thank you!

 

[EdT]

Those don't look like plugs that are supposed to hold pressure.

My best guess is that they were plugs in the replacement rack to keep dirt out of the hose connections. If so, the shop is sloppy to leave them lying around. (And the car is still leaking.)

 

[Mort]

Agreed - When I first saw these I was thinking of blanking plugs for things like:
Windscreen wiper nut, Battery cover terminals, Chassis hole plugs.
The Black plug I think could be just an end cover for a vacuum hose.

 

[Jeffbmx1]

I hope you figure out your coolant leaks. My OCD is bugging out with how dirty your engine bay is! Id clean it personally not only for aesthetics but to visibly see easier where your problem specifically lies although it may not help you at all, at least your engine bay will be cleaner

 

[AUSSIE900]

Ignore the blanking caps , thats all they are ....

May not be the sole power steering Leak , but your pics show a leaking hose clamp at the resrvoir , You need to clean that engine bay to see what are current leaks and what is residue from historic leaks . Coolant could be a million things , get a pressure test on the expansion tank , it will help highlight the leak ( after you clean)