Power steering rack leak

[skhell]

Hey guys!

Today while working on the front brakes, I noticed I had a small "stain" of oil under the steering rack boot, after a closer inspection, there was a drop of oil under the steering rack boot (passenger side).

I guess I must have a leak on the power steering rack, maybe some o-ring has gone bad.

Now the big question, does anyone knows if it is possible to repair the steering rack? If so, where to get the parts? I have been looking for a repair kit and found nothing. I also looked in the repair manual and in www.hondaoriginalparts.com and couldn't find any that looks like a repair kit or o-rings/seals for the steering rack.

The leak is very small, but I guess it will get worst in as time goes by, so I am already looking on how to solve the problem :huh:

Then I looked at the power steering fluid reservoir, and it was quite low, not at the minimum, but almost there... and very dark. This made me recall the discussion there was a while ago on this forum (or in the old THAOC) about replacing the power steering fluid. This leak is not conclusive, but I bet has never been replaced.

The old fluid could be related to the leak, but no one can say that for sure...

 

[vtecdirect]

First check the pipes that feed the rack, well known for rusting and leaking, especially the one that bends around on itself. Replaced loads of them on 6th gens. Drips down onto rack and have seen honda dealers charge over £1100 for a new rack when all it needed was a pipe.

 

[skhell]

First check the pipes that feed the rack, well known for rusting and leaking, especially the one that bends around on itself. Replaced loads of them on 6th gens. Drips down onto rack and have seen honda dealers charge over £1100 for a new rack when all it needed was a pipe.

Humm, nice hint, will check that B)

BTW, is it safe to use non-Honda power steering fluid, since the level is almost in the minimum?

 

[skhell]

Have just taken off the old fluid from the reservoir, turned the steering wheel from one side to the other a couple of times(with the engine off), and put about 300ml of fresh oil. Although there is obviously some old oil in the system, its better some new oil mixed with old oil, than the old oil

The rack rubber boot is still dry, so the leak is very small, let's hope it stays like that for a long time.

Some told-me that avoiding to turn the steering wheel up to it's lock it's not very healthy. In the last months I have been doing that often, since my spot in the garage is quite tight and it's needed to do a series of maneuvers. From now on, I will try to avoid turning the wheels completely, maybe that will make the steering rack last a bit longer.