Once again, this forum amazes me. Yes the "tranny fluid leak" turned out to be the power steering return hose which was cracked and brittle. It had split and was hemorraging onto the exhaust pipe below. I never would have found it without this forum. Many thanks.

My wife and I are in the middle of a 500 mile road trip and I'm happy to report that the rear end binding is still 100% gone and the transmission is performing perfectly. This is one awesome touring car.

Bye for now,
Chris