Anyone know this area under the steering shaft?

I'm getting exhaust smells in the cabin. It is coming from this area; Steering shaft seal is replaced, still getting the smells, but what is this under it. I'm thinking I may be sucking on fumes through this opening.

Are there any other areas that connect the firewall to the cabin that can be sucking in fumes?

Please help

 

Well, I haven't experienced that, not even sure I have that but you could easily seal that up with some silicone.

 

My question is where is the exhaust leaking? There should be no exhaust smells except from the tailpipe.

 

Yep, very good point.

 

I'm pretty sure I have a leak from the engine bay, most likely a cracked exhaust manifold.. But in theory with everything properly sealed nothing should be making it into the cabin with everything shut (and ac on recirc not vent).

My door seals appear in good shape still as well.

Any ideas what that circled area is? I'd like to know before I put some sealant on it. Can't find it in my Haynes manual lol. Much appreciated input.

 

You are missing a bolt on the steering shaft seal too.

 

That's for the cover.

 

Understood but does that hole go all the way to the outside?

 

What’s your exhaust setup?

 

The bigger question is why are you smelling exhaust from the engine bay? Fix that first imho.

 

My question was, what makes you think the exhaust smell is coming from the engine bay at all?

 

He probably tailgates a Chevy.

 

Might have been that Chevy! Lol

At idle just pop the hood and it's obvious. And Retired, that hole that's circled does communicate with the engine bay, the bolt hole does not.

So no one knows what that circled area is? Hood latch?

 

Looks like parking brake cable.