Rack barfing fluid only when turned to lock

[mward]

When I turn my wheels to lock, the rack barfs out fluid, a lot. 10 seconds at lock and I can get rid of half the resevoir. Otherwise it only uses a very tiny amount of fluid. This is probably a 'replace the rack' situation, and I don't really want to. Thinking of converting it to manual if necessary but I can keep pouring fluid in it and not turning it to lock very often if need be. Is there something else I'm not considering that'd cause it to leak massively at lock?

Thanks!

[Dr_Snooz]

Don't put it to lock ever. It's very stressful for the rack and will lead to early failure. Otherwise, replace the rack. And be sure to use Honda PS Fluid or it will start leaking again. :(

[Oldblueaccord]

Possible guess but I think the pressure shoud bypass when your full lock back and for some reason its not.

You are using Honda power steering fluid and nothing else?


wp

[lostforawhile]

nappa also has replacement honda fluid, works just as well but cheaper, i've had good luck with it

[mward]

Yes, only ever used honda fluid in it. That's not to say a previous owner didn't use the wrong stuff, but I've only ever put honda or an aftermarket equivalent in it.

[lostforawhile]

the Honda fluid is semisynthetic or something like that, the seals were designed to be self healing , if you always put the right fluid in them, they are designed to last a very long time. if you put a regular petroleum based PS fluid in there, it destroys the seals, that's why they had a bad reputation for always leaking, there was nothing wrong with the system, it was the 99 cent bottle of fluid is just as good as the three dollar bottle problem. People figured Honda fluid was just like other fluid only overpriced, so they dumped in what they had. also never never never never put Lucas power steering stop leak in your system. I had a very small leak, that crap destroyed my system. went from a small leak to pouring out in a week or so, had to replace the rack, rebuild the pump, rebuilt the speed sensor, just everything . I had gotten to talk to a regional rep from Lucas at the big car show here, he just couldn't believe it would eat the system. it turned every O ring to goo

[Xaisk]

My PS rack.. All of the bellow boots are ripped. Its not leaking anywhere, but I can reach in and pull the boots in half where they seperated. I need to replace that, my heater core, and my brake booster.. ><

BB and heater core are next though. It drives like heaven except for brakes.

[2drSE-i]

My PS rack.. All of the bellow boots are ripped. Its not leaking anywhere, but I can reach in and pull the boots in half where they seperated. I need to replace that, my heater core, and my brake booster.. ><

BB and heater core are next though. It drives like heaven except for brakes.

You should never have PS fluid in those boots. The rack is sealed, those boots are there to keep crap away from the inner tie rods. Replace those boots and your fine.

[Oldblueaccord]

Yes, only ever used honda fluid in it. That's not to say a previous owner didn't use the wrong stuff, but I've only ever put honda or an aftermarket equivalent in it.

Pull up the System Description Helms p. 18.52-18.55.(1988 Honda Helms book) Seems maybe your control valve is sticking. Not sure why it would dump to the res.

Looking at the drawing and seeing your pretty quick with cars you maybe able to drop that part of the rack and see whats up in there. Looking at diagram on 18.55 seems 2 bolts drops that valve down. its attached right were the steering shaft is.

Quick fix might be to get the systems flushed out prolly some dirt trapped in something.


wp

[Xaisk]

Well thats good news! no leaks =D

Gotta replace the bellow boots though.

ugh so many tiny dumb things that nickle and dime ya break. O well.

[Dr_Snooz]

Torn bellows boot means a leaking seal about 99% of the time.

[Xaisk]

Mines not leaking. No puddles or liquid dripping from the unit itself. Ive had the same power steering fluid for about 3000 miles so its prolly due for a change. Hasnt lost any.