At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.
1987 Honda Civic. Power steering fluid leaks, even when it hasn't been driven in two weeks (so, not just when it's hot). I've cleaned the pump and lines, but still can't see where the leak is coming from. Do these pumps usually go bad, or could it be just seals/gaskets?
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
- Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
- Provide details, support with references or personal experience.
Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.
Tip: The max point reward for answering a question is 15.
I don't know much about cars but that happened to my moms 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix. It was caused by a hose leaking power steering fluid. When it eventually ran out of fluid the power steering pump went out. Would have been a lot cheaper to fix the leak but after having the GMC dealership that sold us the car "replace" the leaking hose, it started leaking again (even worse than before) a few mths later.
FIRST OF ALL TURN OFF RADIO REMOVE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. THEN REMOVE POWER STEERING PUMP FLUID FROM POWER STEERING PUMP.USING A HAND PUMP SIPHON. BE CAREFUL DONT GET POWER STEERING FLUID ON CAR PAINT IT WILL DAMAGE PAINT JOB.PUT A DRAIN PAN UNDERNEATH CAR TO CATCH POWER STEERING FLUID THEN DISCONNECT POWER STEERING PUMP LINES.REMOVE POWER STEERING PUMP ADJUSTER BOLT AND MOUNTING BOLT.REMOVE POWER STEERING PUMP.MOST OF THE TIME NEW POWER STEERING PUMP DONT HAVE DRIVE PULLEY ON IT SO TAKE TO A MACHINE SHOP THE WILL REMOVE PULLEY FROM OLD PUMP AND PRESS ON THE PULLEY TO NEW POWER STEERING PUMP.BESURE TO BUY NEW O RINGS TO END OF PRESSURE LINE.ONCE NEW POWER STEERING PUMP HAS PULLEY IN PLACE AND YOU HAVE NEW O RING FOR HIGH PRESSURE LINE.INSTALL NEW PUMP.ADJUST BELT TENSION.NOW BLEED POWER STEERING PUMP WITH FRONT WHEELS POINT STRAIGHT A HEAD POSITION.POUR POWER STEERING FLUID IN PUMP UNTIL FLUID LEVEL ON COLD MARK ON POWER STEERING PUMP DIP STICK.KEEP ADDING FLUID UNTIL FLUID STOP DROPPING. START THE ENGINE LET IT RUN AT IDLE ADD MORE FLUID IF DROPS KEEP FLUID ON FULL COLD MARK.ON DIP STICK TURN OFF ENGINE.CHECK TO MAKE SURE POWER STEERING PUMP NOT LEAKING AT THE LINES THEN.SAFELY RAISE SUPPORT FRONT OF THE VECHICLE WITH JACK STANDS. MAKE SURE VECHICLE ON SOLID LEVEL GROUND CHECK.FLUID LEVEL MAKE SURE AT FULL COLD MARK. NOW START ENGINE.LET IDLE MINUTE.THEN TURN STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT TO RIGHT SEVERAL TIMES WITH OUT STOPPING IT IN PLACE. CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID WHEN FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING.AND FLUID IS NOT A TAN COLOR WHICH MEAN LOTS OF AIR IN SYSTEM. TURN OFF CAR UNTIL AIR BUBBLES DISAPPEAR.CHECK FLUID LEVEL BLEED POWER STEERING AGAIN. DONT DRIVE VECHICLE UNTIL STEERING FEEL NORMAL.IF FLUID REMAIN TAN WITH AIR BUBBLES CHECK FOR LEAKS AT POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE ORING. AND CHECK POWER STEERING LINES TO PUMP FOR LEAKS.
Most likely a bad steering rack
That is what happens, when you don't change your P/S Fluid
Change fluid and add Lubgard Honda (only) Additive--found at auto parts store.
Use correct honda fluid also
The pump is right on top of engine and is an easy swap ....you are right on replacing whole pump with an aftermarket or used one from a salvage yard....its so much easier...good luck....dont forget to only use Honda fluid for refill...Lee
power steering fluid loses viscosity and usefulness over time- I recomend replacing the power steering fluid, and using Lucas brand power steering stop leak, I swear by that stuff, My old caprice was losing all the power steering fluid EVERY single day! 2 truck size bottles of that gunk from lucas and it worked fine for over a year not so much as a drop. It is also over compressing in the sump, either too much or its foaming cause its broke down.
Get some new fluid in there, top it up with Lucas, and have a nice day!
It sounds like your power steering pump, not the belt. Have u checked the fluid level? If it's low it can make a 'growling' type noise. Any leaks under the car from power steering? U can check by putting a big piece of cardboard under the car at night, check where any leaks show up on it the next morning. ålso check the belt for fraying or cracks (if u find any, replace it), also the belt tension, if it's loose, the belt may squeal (not what u describe),
You did not indicate whether you checked the fluid level for your power steering. Please check this first. Please read your owners manual for specific instructions!
You may be low on fluid.
The next step would be to check your engine belt. The power steering pump is driven by a belt. It is possible that you have a loose or worn belt that is not able to turn the pump sufficiently at idle, but when you rev the engine higher, the pump produces sufficient power. One way to test this is to rev the engine, then try to turn the wheel, see if you notice any difference. Let me know.
×