It's probably brake fluid, but it might not be leaking from the reservoir
but could also be coming from the clutch hydraulics master cylinder located
in there as well (http://www.vanagonauts.com/30-Clutch,-Controls-18.htm).
You should probably pull the instrument cover and check that out as soon as
possible because brakes and clutch are pretty important, but also because
brake fluid is truly nasty stuff.

Cheers,
Peter
89 bluestar

On Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 8:48 AM, Steve Williams <sbw@sbw.org> wrote:

> I have a very slow drip of something oily from the plastic housing
> under the steering column of my '84 Wolfsburg Westy.
>
> That can only be brake fluid, right?  Or are there other fluids up
> there?  It's not coolant, or I'd smell it, I think.
>
> I haven't opened up the speedo housing yet to see whether the brake
> fluid reservoir is low or leaking.
>
> Advice?
>