Power Steering Fluid low

[TEXANHATCH]

Hi guys. I noticed when I bought this vehicle that the power steering fluid was low like right below the first hose from the top and the power steering kind of hard as well. I put more fluid in it and after that I drove it, it went down again to the same level right below the hose on the top but the power steering it wasnt hard again. The hose is located under the low fluid range so I am wondering if there is any leak. Do you know where that hose goes? I noticed the other 2 going to the power steering pump and to the speed sensor. BOth hose are always with fluid because only the first hose in the top runs without fluid after a while. I haven been able to see any leak on the floor. So if anybody knows where that one goes it will be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Adrian.

[acranox]

I think I had the same problem. The fluid would be below that hose, and if I added fluid, it would go back below that hose, but it never went empty.
Anyhow, I checked for leaks at the pump, the rack, and the resevoir, and they all looked good.
One day I took out the speed sensor, (one bolt, and then a prybar to loosen it up) and I cleaned up the mounting point, and the whole speed sensor. I haven't had the leak since I did that, and the steering has been smoother.
So I think it's one of the O-rings in the speed sensor that was leaking. If I get the leak again, I'm just going to buy new O-rings for the speed sensor.

I'll bet your leak is at the speed sensor.

[AZmike]

Have you bled the system yet? It may have been so low that you're just flushing air out of it. To bleed it you turn the steering through it's total travel several times while idling. You absolutely must use fluid formulated for Honda steering systems. Do this a few times topping the resevior each time until it stops going down. Don't worry about it never filling up--it would take a really bad leak to leak so fast that you would notice it in the minute or so that it takes to get ll the air out. How do the boots on the rack look?

[TEXANHATCH]

I tried to bled the system moving the steering wheel several times and I noticed a leak coming out from a part that looks like a small square cover and is located under the chassis right under the air filter. Do you know what the cover protects? itlooks like inside of the cover are a few hoses but I am not sure because I dont have a jack available for now. Please any feedback will be appreciated. Adrian.

[AZmike]

The cover is over the power steering control valve and gearbox. It's held on by three 6 mm bolts (10 mm head). You may just have a loose hose. There are four fittings to check: two 12 mm, one 14 mm, and one 17 mm. Use flare nut wrenches if you have them. Let use know what you find.

[carotman]

I had a similar problem and the PS fluid leaked where the hoses plug into the steering box.

Turned out to be a rusted PS hose.

[TEXANHATCH]

Thanks for the answer, I have not had chance to get underneath the car because I dont have a special jack yet, so in the meantime I am proving the Lucas leak stopper to see how it works. So Carotman, you just replace the rusted hose? Whre did you get it from? thanks, Adrian.

[TEXANHATCH]

Hi guys, I just came back fromo a Midas Mechanic shop and they checked for free where the leak was coming from. They said that the Rack and Pinion is leaking and they said that is like $800 to replace it!! :uh: So I dont know what should I do. I do not have money to fix that. I had the same problem in my 88 Ford Escort and I replaced in that opportunitty which I regret because I friend told me that it wasnt something really necessary to do it. What do you think? They told me if I do not replace it its gonna get worst and worst. I was trying to use a lucas sealer but I do not think that is working. What is the worst that can happen if I drive with no power steering fluid? I do not care for a hard steering wheel, I used to drive a 71 beetle, lol. Any experience with rack and pinions? thanks, Adrian. :dunno:

[shepherd79]

remove the PS belt ad you can drive with out PS with no problem.

[TEXANHATCH]

Thats good, So Is the PS used for something else than make the steering wheel softer? I will not have problems with other areas if I disconnect the PS? Thanks, Adrian.

[AZmike]

The power steering system only reduces steering effort.

[TEXANHATCH]

I did it! I cut it!, I took it for a test, not bad at all. Lets see how it goes. I will let you know. I drive the car mostly in highways so it doesnt really affect me too much. Thanks again for the advice. Adrian.

[IN_ONE_ACCORD]

Only problem is that getting it inspected might be an issue. The car has the ps pump, but not belt, right? Go to an inspection station you know. Might be a safety thing.

[TEXANHATCH]

Hi, my inspection is good untill 07/2005 so I do not have to worry for now, anyway if they tell me something about it I can just put it back for inspection I guess. So far I have no problem driving it, is a little bit hard in sharp turns and parking but thanks god that here in texas we have big parking lots, lol. Thanks.

[Robs89LXi]

Nice to see some fellow Texans. Welcome aboard!