Power steering major leak
 

Hi all,

Please excuse my scarse knowledge of engines and english technical terms

My 1988 Honda Accord DX has a major leak in the power steering. Power
steering fluid comes out fast from a rubber "gasket" (? a tubular rubber
cover) near one wheel. That rubber gasket can be moved right and left
with one finger (so it's broken) while the one on the opposite side is
fixed.

The car has lots of problems so it might not be worth repairing it. I
might also use it without power steering as well, and I'm looking for
ways of keeping it without functional power steering, without damaging
the power steering further (to allow repairing it at a later time)



I have a few questions:

1. how much would it cost to repair such a problem?

2. if I leave the power steering without fluid, will it suffer
additional damage? I'm trying to find a way to defer the repair to a
later time...

If yes:

2a. Would I prevent additional damage if I refill the fluid e.g. once a
month, just to keep the things wet once in a while?

2b. Sometimes there is a belt which powers the power steering. Assuming
it's like this also in the 1988 Honda Accord DX: if I cut that one,
would I prevent further damage? (even if I keep the P.S. not functional
for, say, one year?)


Thanks in advance for any help

Re: Power steering major leak
 

>"hadsisao" <hadsisao@bbb.com> wrote in message

> My 1988 Honda Accord DX has a major leak in the power steering. Power
> steering fluid comes out fast from a rubber "gasket" (? a tubular rubber
> cover) near one wheel. That rubber gasket can be moved right and left
> with one finger (so it's broken) while the one on the opposite side is
> fixed. The car has lots of problems so it might not be worth repairing it. I
> might also use it without power
steering as well, and I'm looking for
> ways of keeping it without functional power steering, without damaging
> the power steering further (to allow repairing it at a later time)
> 1. how much would it cost to repair such a problem?

A cost of a new module and labor. Some places replace only the seal and
you're okay. Unlike compressors Honda still sell replacement seals for the
shaft inside the module. Replacing the boot isn't likely going help. Keep in
mind that with several Hondas I've bought used with (what appears to be )
a major leak were simply solved with a complete replacement with a
genuine fluid.

> 2. if I leave the power steering without fluid, will it suffer
> additional damage? I'm trying to find a way to defer the repair to a
> later time...

Yes. More likely gears in the module will grind. If theirs no fluid and you
don't remove the belt then the pump may also be damage.

> 2a. Would I prevent additional damage if I refill the fluid e.g. once a
> month, just to keep the things wet once in a while?

Yes. The owners manual says it's very normal to operate the steering with
adequate fluid with the motor off. This suggest that you should remove the
belt and fill the reservoir "with the correct fluid" labeled genuine Honda
PSF, but not the one known "acceptable by Honda." Cycle it thru and cut
the belt and hope that it stays in there.

Re: Power steering major leak
 

>"hadsisao" <hadsisao@bbb.com> wrote in message

> My 1988 Honda Accord DX has a major leak in the power steering. Power
> steering fluid comes out fast from a rubber "gasket" (? a tubular rubber
> cover) near one wheel. That rubber gasket can be moved right and left
> with one finger (so it's broken) while the one on the opposite side is
> fixed. The car has lots of problems so it might not be worth repairing it. I
> might also use it without power
steering as well, and I'm looking for
> ways of keeping it without functional power steering, without damaging
> the power steering further (to allow repairing it at a later time)
> 1. how much would it cost to repair such a problem?

A cost of a new module and labor. Some places replace only the seal and
you're okay. Unlike compressors Honda still sell replacement seals for the
shaft inside the module. Replacing the boot isn't likely going help. Keep in
mind that with several Hondas I've bought used with (what appears to be )
a major leak were simply solved with a complete replacement with a
genuine fluid.

> 2. if I leave the power steering without fluid, will it suffer
> additional damage? I'm trying to find a way to defer the repair to a
> later time...

Yes. More likely gears in the module will grind. If theirs no fluid and you
don't remove the belt then the pump may also be damage.

> 2a. Would I prevent additional damage if I refill the fluid e.g. once a
> month, just to keep the things wet once in a while?

Yes. The owners manual says it's very normal to operate the steering with
adequate fluid with the motor off. This suggest that you should remove the
belt and fill the reservoir "with the correct fluid" labeled genuine Honda
PSF, but not the one known "acceptable by Honda." Cycle it thru and cut
the belt and hope that it stays in there.