THE CAR HAD A FITTING IN THE POWER ASSIST STEERING SYSTEM THAT WAS LOOSENING. IN A DRIVING CONDITION OF HIGH PRESSURE, THE SYSTEM DEVELOPED AN INSTANT, FAST LEAK, WHICH REACTED TO THE HIGH TEMPERATURES OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THIS REACTION ULTIMATELY STARTED THE FIRE, WHICH BURNED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.*AK SAME INCIDENT AS VOQ#10039792 PER CONVERSATION WITH PAUL ABBEY ON 6/16/04. PE04029_CAT