While working on my LX, I see this on the passenger side:









Guessing this means I need a new power steering rack... From what I've read it's better to just get a new one because rebuilding it yourself can be a PITA without special tools. Is there anything that should be replaced or done while its out? And is there an good place it order one or shout I just go to a local parts store?

 

The question is: how low is the power steering fluid? That could be accumulation from a long time. It looks "fresh" but it could have been there for awhile.

You might try replacing some of the PS fluid with leak stop. It's one of those "miracle in a bottle" ..."fixes"... but it might slow the leak down enough to be manageable. For reference, both boots on mine look like that and have for at least the last 5500 miles. Most likely, about twice that long. But my fluid level isn't low.

 

when i noticed that, i looked at the level and its darn close to empty... i think... its pretty far down.... also, i dont think the fluid is suppose to be black

 

That's a significant leak, it's all over the control arm too. Don't use generic fluid as most of it is not compatible with Honda seals. You could take the belt off the pump and steer manually. Beware of additives which might mess up the pump, it is more expensive than the rack.

 

I think what im going to do is make the drive to the honda dealer sometime this week (closest one is an hour away) and pick up a bottle of PS fluid, top it off and see how quickly its leaking and evaluate from there