MoeGalvez

Hi everyone, I have a problem with my Civic LX 2002, a few weeks back the power steering fluid is leaking inside the driver side of the car, the carpet is getting ruined and there is fluid in the engine, but I can't find the leak. Any help is going to be greatly appreciated, before the dealer squeezes me.

Thanks

Moe

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

one of the hi pressure hoses prolly just tore. usually you can get em at the auto store for $30, but you gotta figure out where the leak is first.

greeen01civic4d

iTrader: (7)

dude thats almost not possible, u would have a gigantic mess in the bay too, how do u kno its ps fluid?

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

I would suspect a problem with the rack & pinion assembly. There is a round flange portion on the firewall that is leading into the steering column. It is most likely leaking internally and pushing fluid into the cabin.

MoeGalvez

There is no way to get oil inside the car, it is not coolant because it is oily and dark, transmission fluid it is imposible, so the only dark and oily fluid in the car is PS, besides when you lift the car in the front the power steering fluid tank gets emptied for no reason whatsoever, it just gets empty in front of your eyes (you can actually see the tank going lower and lower until it's gone.

MoeGalvez

I saw a lot of fluid in the engine, mostly by the boots, so I could be that the problem, I am going to check it today and let you know. Thanks for your help.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

That is a lot of fluid !! It has to be dripping somewhere under the car if it is leaking under the hood.

MoeGalvez

Yes, it does, it has been dripping for quite some time. Didn't know what it was until it came inside the car.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

At each opening in the front wheel wells are the 2 ends of the rack & pinion, Is there any fluid at either of those 2 ends ??

Is the dripping anywhere near the firewall ??

MoeGalvez

Going to check, will let you know

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Here is a drawing, It is the only place I can imagine that any fluid can be getting inside. The round end of the flange is on the engine side of the firewall. It seems I remember reading of people having fluids leaking inside the car in this fashion ( other than coolant, rain water & evaporator drain water)

MoeGalvez

Thanks a lot!

Try1m0re

So I just bought my Honda and Im totally having the same problem. Power steering fluid all in my floorboard, and if I reach my hand back up inside where the steering shaft goes into my firewall, I pull out fingers covered in steering fluid. I have NO IDEA about cars at all, and my neighbor who is a mechanic says its my rack and pinion, but he didn't really look at it and I just want to make sure that's what it is. Could it be some kind of seal? Is it safe to drive TEMPORARILY like this or am I screwed? Thanks a lot! <3

ezone

Your neighbor is right, it needs a rack job. Sure there is a seal, but most will just replace the rack because it has to come out anyway, and most don't want to mess with any teardown.

jianders

I have the same issue with the power steering fluid leaking inside my floorboard right underneath the steering rod!

Carbuff2

So, start pricing a new rack.

On some cars (GM I know for sure) aftermarket rebuilt racks are best because they sleeve the worn leaky area. But, I don't know about this particular issue with the Civic.

ezone

This thread link might be worth throwing in here (just for information ya know)

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ring-pump.html

lorolia

Hey ezone, I'm in the exact same problem. It happened me today!

Mine's a 05 civic. So just want to know what re manufactured rack and pinion brand can you recommend me?

For obvious reasons the one you were talking about in that other thread is not an option to me.

So, I went to rockauto and they have 3 more brands.

Which one do you think I should go with? AC Delco, AAE or BBB /Vision-OE ?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...nd+pinion,7388


Thanks a lot man!

I appreciate your input!

ezone

Y u no Honda reman?


Can't comment on which aftermarket might be better, but based on reputation and track record, I personally would avoid the A 1 C@rd0ne.


Although there is one thread in here somewhere where a poster lodged a complaint about the companys product (I think it was about a steering rack) and somehow a company employee found the thread (probably via spider) and chimed in (maybe just for damage control ??)

Slumpertcivic

lorolia

Where do I look for one like those?

ezone

Local Honda dealership?

Online Honda dealer selling parts at wholesale prices?

Won't be as cheap as the aftermarket options though

lorolia

Don´t really know but...I will let you know tomorrow.

My local stealership wants $ 1200 for a new one (Honda)

and $ 565 for a re manufactured one (Honda)

I was able to get the seal kit for $ 47.34
Transtec brand (actually NOK seals)
http://transtec.com/why-transtec/the...complete-kits/

I will just take it to a local shop that only does this kind of job.

So I´ll try this first and if no luck I will buy the re manufactured one.

I won´t be throwing $ 1200 on a car that is 13 years old.

lorolia

All is good now...shop charged $ 140 for the labor and we mounted it on Friday. No leaks until now and car feels good. The shop even gave me 2 months of warranty for any problem.
So all in all I spent $47.30 (seal kit)+ $6 (honda ps fluid) + $140 (labor) + $6 (another honda ps fluid) + $59.66 (2 inner tie rod ends) = $ 258.96

I'll see how much it lasts this time but I clearly don't expect to last 13 years like the first time.

If it lasts 5 years then I'll be happy.

The thing is I see no good options to buy a car now so I'll continue using this one meanwhile.

Andym

Soon i will be doing the same, leaking inside the cabin. Gotta watch a guide how to take that out.