steering rack problem

I have a 2002 (new to me - purchased 3 mths ago) Honda Accord which I
took in to the dealer recently & found out it has a steering rack leak
- not what one expects on a car with only about 65,000km. Has anyone
else experienced this kind of problem with the Accord? My confidence in
the car (which has been terrific - I love driving this car) has been
shaken by the news of a hefty replacement.

 

I have never heard of a steering rack failing on a Honda... unless somebody
put in the wrong power steering fluid. That is one fluid that absolutely
must be Honda-specific.

 

I had a 1984 Accord with a power steering leak. First time Honda did
the work under warranty. Second time it was out of warranty. The leak
was fairly slow, so I just added fluid for the next 10 years.

 

Honda steering racks do fail. I own a 2001 Acura TL and the steering rack
has been replaced twice. The firast one was noisy when turning the wheels in
a driveway and the second one was making noise whenever I drove over a speed
bump. The first one was under warranty and I only paid for labor when the
second one was replaced last week at 81,500 kms. Honda accepted to pay for
the steering rack because it had less than 40K kms.

 

Somebody put the wrong fluid.

 

So, you can just keep adding steering fluid? I think it's the steering fluid
leak since I have to add some every now and then and my car smokes because
the leak I think drops on some metals inside. I check the oil sometimes and
I don't have to add anything to it so, the power steering fluid is the one
that leaks.

I have change headlights and starters in the pass. There's a hose that
seems to be wet when I touch the lower side. It is a short hose, don't think
its complicated one to take off but I'm afraid when I take it off something
will come out and drain everything out.

 

I forgot to mention, I have an accord lx 1988. Still running good., except
for the leak and the smoke. No the car is not on H. It's still COLD.

 

Then it can't be the steering rack because that is forward of and below any
hot parts. Maybe it's the power steering pump? Or hose TO the rack?

Maybe the smoke is coming from some other leak.

Good possibility.

Get a service manual.
Then you will know what is what.

 

My only experience with this problem was on a 1997 Dodge Caravan, which was
caused by a rotted Power Steering Pump, so this may be the case.

--
Joseph M. LaVigne

http://www.thelavignefamily.us/MyPipePages/ - 10/19/2006 4:26:59 AM
Tobacconist Brick and Mortar Database: http://bam.tobaccocellar.org/

"For thy sake, tobacco, I would do anything but die."

-Charles Lamb

 

Wow, that's one or 2 too many racks to replace.
Well, I have limited warranty, as I purchased car 3 mths ago at 60km so
I pay for part but not labour. So I think I'll go ahead & get new part.
Hopefully that's it for major part replacement for a few thou more kms.
thanks.

 

If it's smoking, you probably have a shot valve cover gasket
that is letting oil drip on the exhaust. Mine did that when I
first got it. I replaced the valve cover gasket, and cured that
problem. The old ones get real hard and don't seal well.
If the pump seal is leaking, you will see oil spun off the steering
pump pully, and on the belts, etc. Also, it will be dripping under
the pump area. If it's bad enough, it will leave fluid on the ground.
If the pump pully is dry, and no signs of fluid anywhere around the
pump, it's probably the rack leaking if not a hose. The PS pump
leak is not in a position to leak on the exhaust. I know this cuz
my pump is presently leaking.. I have to add a dab every few
days. I'm going to change my pump when I do my timing belt, etc..
I don't like the leak. Not so much that I have to add it, but it's
slinging
oil on my belts.
MK

 

hi, i have the same problem... 2002 honda accord SE with 59000 miles on
it - leaking powers steering fluid from the rack...estimated 1000$
replacement charge... shame on honda!!! they should have replaced it
for free!!!

 

If you really think Honda should pay for this then you should contact
your regional Honda Office and ask for some consideration. The number
should be in your owners manual.

 

My 1984 Accord had a leaky steering rack. Honda fixed it once then I
was on my own when it started leaking again. In the end, I just let it
leak and added some fluid every now and then. Glad to see that Honda is
finally going to electric steering.