Rep Power: 0

I recently purchased a well maintained 2005 Honda Civic LX. I have never owned one before and am trying to learn basic maintenance and do minor repairs. Today, when I drove home from work, I noticed that the power steering was whining. When I parked, I left a big PS stain in the driveway. Under the hood, the PS reservoir is close to empty and the "U" shaped hose from the reservoir to the PS pump is dripping with PS fluid,

Could my problem be as simple as a bad hose (it's probably original). I can see and access both ends of the hose.

Is there anything tricky about replacing the hose it?

Thank you very much for any help and guidance.
Mark285

 
Rep Power: 223

You need to determine where the fluid is coming from first. Is it for sure coming from the hose or could it be coming out the top of the fluid reservoir? If there is a leak on the suction side of the pump (the hose between the pump and the reservoir) then the pump will suck air causing the fluid to become aerated. It then "expands" and overflows the reservoir.

The hose fitting on the pump is removeable and it has a little rubber seal. That seal could also be causing the leak.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks BrotatoChip - I have ordered a replacement hose that should be ready at the parts store around noon. I'll pick that up, the replacement o-ring for the pump side and some fluid. I guess I'll find out where the leak is when I replace the hose, o-ring and all the fluid.

Mark825

 
Rep Power: 223

If the remaining fluid in the system is aerated, it will overflow the reservoir fairly quickly unless you flush out the system. Keep an eye on it.

 
Rep Power: 221

Potentially one of the hard lines is bad. Maybe you got lucky

 
Rep Power: 0

VICTORY! I replaced the hose from the reservoir to the pump ($6). Replaced the o-ring where the reservoir hose connects to the pump assembly ($15) and filled it back up with Honda power steering fluid. It now works without leaking and the PS pump no longer whines.

The high pressure line looks it's age and probably needs to be replaced as it barely passes the "eye-test". But it's not leaking or causing problems at the moment.

Civic Forum - thanks all for the help and advice. Sometimes a little support is all one needs for the confidence to do it yourself!

Mark825