Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum If you've got a problem you just can't figure out, a noise you can't diagnose, or a Check Engine Light that won't go away, ask about it here!

03 Civic power steering issue/foam

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 9, 2016
  #1  
SevenNoOni's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
SevenNoOni is an unknown quantity at this point
03 Civic power steering issue/foam

Okay, I have foaming power steering fluid. I'm at a loss as to what is causing it.
I did bleed the system, key on, engine off, lock to lock for what felt like eternity. I didn't have anyone to watch for bubbles, So i just kept going until my arms fell off lol!

I also checked for kinked lines, and leaking lines and found neither, they look in proper working condition.

The only place I found fluid leaking is from the cap on the reservoir..(that fluid runs off the side down the short hose, and drips straight onto the lower belt... yea the sound is amazing..)

A mechanic at the Honda Dealership suggested changing the rack, he disagreed with my initial thought that it was the pump.
His theory is that the rack is pulling air in and causing the foam.
My problem is if the rack is drawing in air, wouldn't it also be pushing fluid out that same hole?

Any ideas? I have no issue changing the rack it just doesn't make sense to me, and he didn't seem like he cared to talk anymore lol.

Relevant information.
2003 Honda Civic Ex 1.7
168000 miles and climbing every day
original rack and power steering pump.
The pump only whines when I'm doing extended stop and start driving in a city.
otherwise its silent.
Never lose power steering.

So any help would be awesome! thanks for reading this,
Thanks in advance for any help and opinions!

(P.s I did see someone else had a similar issue after an engine swap, but the thread was pretty old, wasn't sure if i should reopen it.)
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2016
  #2  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 03 Civic power steering issue/foam

The inlet hose fitting on the PS pump has an O ring seal that probably needs replaced. It will suck in air through that seal.



Honda part# 91345-RDA-A01
Costs all of USD 75 cents MSRP.
Clean off the dirt.......Remove one bolt, wiggle the fitting out, swap out the O ring seal, reassemble and refill.
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2016
  #3  
SevenNoOni's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
SevenNoOni is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 03 Civic power steering issue/foam

Thanks Ezone, I have not done that! i'll give that a go this weekend!!!!
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2016
  #4  
FijiEM2's Avatar
Registered!!
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: SC
Rep Power: 0
FijiEM2 is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 03 Civic power steering issue/foam

Let me know if it works, I'm currently in the very same boat.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2017
  #5  
Sickwheelsbro's Avatar
Registered!!
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
Sickwheelsbro is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 03 Civic power steering issue/foam

can you tell me exactly where the inlet house is I'm having the same problem and need to change my o ring
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2017
  #6  
Sickwheelsbro's Avatar
Registered!!
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
Sickwheelsbro is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 03 Civic power steering issue/foam

question man do you know where the inlet house is so I can put my new o ring , I'm having the same issues
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2017
  #7  
04 blue civic's Avatar
Registered!!
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
04 blue civic is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 03 Civic power steering issue/foam

Ezone is correct the power steering system is "cavitating" "sucking air". Did you recently do any work to vehicle? If so make sure everything is tight. I've had a lot of these pumps suck Air due to the print like ezone stated. As well as the hose clamps on the reservoir would not seal back up since hose was disturbed had to replace them new clamps couldn't even seal
Reply
Old May 25, 2017
  #8  
Sickwheelsbro's Avatar
Registered!!
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
Sickwheelsbro is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 03 Civic power steering issue/foam

Originally Posted by 04 blue civic
Ezone is correct the power steering system is "cavitating" "sucking air". Did you recently do any work to vehicle? If so make sure everything is tight. I've had a lot of these pumps suck Air due to the print like ezone stated. As well as the hose clamps on the reservoir would not seal back up since hose was disturbed had to replace them new clamps couldn't even seal

Sorry for a late response but update I changed the o ring , the old one was flat and defective , REPLACED with new orange o ring . no more foam no more bubbles YAY !!! but only problem now its leans from the suction hose , everytime I refill I look under my car theres wet spots it looks like the suction on connecting to the reservoir is old and worn out but every thing else looks fine ordering new hose keep you guys updated
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
rayman009
I.C.E. (Audio) & Electrical Upgrades
1
Oct 9, 2015 11:10 AM
5spdvroom
Exterior
16
Oct 6, 2015 08:58 AM
rovafa2002
8th & 9th Generation Civic 2006 - 2015
2
Sep 28, 2015 06:57 PM
2002ExCivic
7th Generation Civic 2001 - 2005
22
Sep 28, 2015 08:29 AM
Joecrowe
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
1
Sep 24, 2015 09:12 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:48 PM.