Red_Chaos1

So I made another run to the pick and pull, got a bunch more stuff to replace beat up/broken things on the car, and I noticed while damn near every car was missing its engine and such, the power steering racks were almost always still attached. I also saw a few radiators that to my untrained eyes looked decent, no bends or dents, etc. (my radiator leaks, leaves coolant drips marks all over the engine and fans, etc.). I figure I'm probably best off buying a new radiator given the fragile nature of them, plus if the old ones are OEM they'll probably have or develop the same leak, but it occurred to me I could probably save some scratch using a PS rack off one of these.

What I'd like to know is:
Is this something worth pursuing
If so, what do I need to be looking (out) for, and how much of the rack do I need to get? My rack is leaking from the inside edge of the driver side boot, as far as I can tell.

Of course the dealership said it's not something that can be repaired, it's a full replace and they'd love to charge me ~$1K to do it. I'm not having it unless it's the only way to go.

So yeah. Learn me up on this.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Pros:
Cheap

Cons:
Could have a bad seal and leak
Don't know how long it will last
Could be a waste of time

Alternative:
Have you considered just removing the power steering all together?

Red_Chaos1

Always sounds good doesn't it?

On the first one, I'd think I'd be able to see a leak before I even pulled it, much like I can see it on the rack currently in the car. The other 2 points, can't argue with really.

Now why would I want to do that? I've driven a car without PS (learning both how to drive and how to drive *stick* in an ancient Toyota 4dr.), it's ridiculous.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Because it is cheap and increases steering feel which is a plus in my book. There is a DIY and the persons wife said it wasn't bad parking the car without ps. Just a thought.

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...teering-2.html

Red_Chaos1

Hrm. So not quite the same as good old rack and pinion manual steering where you crank 20 times just to make a turn, etc. Given that I'm not driving my car for pleasure, road feel and such isn't as big a deal (though I imagine there are arguments for road feel for any kind of driving, esp. wet/icy weather). Idk, definitely something to think about in the future.

OptimisticWay

Or just remove the belt to the power steering pump. This is what I did and now I have big muscles now. Thanks shitty Honda design.

Put in an electric assist steering system.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

consider changing the caster angle to a lower setting - not sure how much adjustment is possible in a MacPherson style suspension, though (still have my PS, so can't comment on that.)

Lower angles will make it like a shopping cart, turn into a dime, so don't go crazy.

maxtierney

iTrader: (5)

Took my power steering out / installed a breather. Half the effort, than just removing the belt. Couldn't be happier. A little more time and money is involved, however.