TMB

When you say ''middle fog'' I presume you mean middle brake light? If the brakes are binding it's usually either the wheel cylinder piston(s) is/are seized or the rivet joint(s) in the handbrake lever(s) is/are seized. Orange arrow in this pic... In some cases the handbrake cables can also become stiff and not return properly.

I use a (clean) turkey baster.

Got a couple of pics of the other side that might help.

Angle grinder.

If it was me I'd do it again. I know it's a pain in the arse but I wouldn't be able to trust it.

No problem. I suspect it's coming from that area rather than the rack.

Screeen wash tank/pump is right next to the steering pump. Remove the T25 Torx screws in the wheel arch liner to inspect both items.

Are you sure it's steering fluid and not screen wash? I wouldn't expect it to leak much when the car is just idle. If it is steering fluid it might be leaking out of the pump/reservoir rather than the rack as the patch looks too far forward to be the rack.

No way should it be that loose, I had to tap mine in with a block of wood. I used a genuine Skoda seal - part number 047 103 085 Example.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Seat-Skoda-Seal-Genuine-VAG-Part-047-103-085/114333875261?hash=item1a9ed47c3d:g:OOoAAOSw1NxfJdeV I tap mine in dry, no grease on the outer part. You want it to grip the timing cover hole.

Welcome 🙂

Yeah, just cut them and join them with some appropriate connectors.

There is a new field in profiles to add the car year as well. As I have.

So does the 8 valve, 1.4 mpi 😁

Mine were Depo too. Been on the car since 2017 and have been fine so far. Still nice and clear.

The outer clips are usually just the spring type that you squeeze with a pair pliers to release. Just release it and give the gaiter a squeeze to see if there's fluid inisde it. The inner clips are crimped on. I had to use jubilee clips on mine as there is no room to get the appropriate tool in.

Yeah, I think in some cases they can weep for years, seems that mine has been. The level hasn't visibly dropped since I topped it up several months ago.

Yes, I would definitely go with real glass too if they were available.

Or clouded lenses. The amount of cars I see with yellowed lenses is unreal. All I can say is that the owners must eat a lot of carrots 🥕

Was the CTS a genuine one?

They usually leak into the passenger side rack gaiter from the end seal.

1.4 8 valve or 16 valve?

Yes it is. Here's the wiring diagram. There's not much to it, items 26 are the number plate lights....

The 1.4 mpi 8 valve takes 10w40, so maybe they confused it with that.

I have Osram Nightbreaker bulbs in my dip and main beams and they make a good difference.