Forgive my million questions please!!!



That is from many different days of parking in front of my house... just had to put in 2 bottles of PS fluid today cause I found out it was bone dry...

How do I find out if its the pump/a hose, or if its the rack and pinion??? (I'm seriously hoping its the former because I imaging R&P is expensive to buy and install..)

 

The rack and pinion usually leaks from the ends where the tie rods go in. It actually costs less than the pump. In any case, get under the car and find the leak and go from there. Be sure the fluid you're using is specifically labeled as suitable for Honda.

You can also remove the belt so the pump won't burn out, and just drive without power steering.

 

I'd rather put fluid in it once a week, and drive it for awhile then drive it without PS.. lol...

And yes, i bought the honda formulated PS fluid... In fact I'm hoping the honda stuff with the stop leak I paid a little extra for will help..<.<

EDIT: Don't think Stop leak is gonna do me any good.. used my bright led light to go look while it was cooled... Left side of R&P is leakin... checked fluid still pretty close to full so at least its a slow leak...

Next question: If I check daily/weekly and keep fluid in it is it safe for a few weeks til I can afford the $185 for part and however much for mechanic? Will it take longer an an hour to replace?

 

Yes you can keep putting fluid in and it will be fine. If the pump ever runs dry it will be damaged.

Replacing the rack is not real complicated but you should also pay to have the wheels aligned afterward, at least to check and adjust the front toe-in.

 

Alrighty, thanks.. I'll be getting quotes on replacement and alignment costs this weekend probably... Buy the part myself so I don't wind up paying inflated fees for that to..<.<

Thanks again Mk