10-20-2014, 03:41 PM
as I posted a few weeks ago, Power Steering fluid was low. I check it again and it was low. I traced the leak to the High Pressure Hose, where the hose meets the crimped connector. I then learned this is a common failure in some Accords and some Acura models. The Accord recall was recently expanded to include models all the way back to 2003. My 2002 Van is not included in recall, but failure seems identical. Nice videos on YouTube and how to fix this.
The risk is that this liquid is splashed onto cat converter or another hot part and catches fire. I stopped using the van and I am not looking at repair options. Hose is a little over $100 and labor is not something I want to do myself so I will try to see what it costs at the dealer (parts + labor) or at some mechanics (my parts, their labor).
If you check this, look at the hose going from power steering reservoir to pump, that should be OK, but then from pump to rack is the high pressure hose, see if that is "wet" and with engine ON have someone turn steering wheel all way left-right several times and observe if you see any leaks.
YMMV as always.
P.S. if you need to add some fluid, use ONLY Honda power steering fluid, apparently it should not be mixed with other brands.
The risk is that this liquid is splashed onto cat converter or another hot part and catches fire. I stopped using the van and I am not looking at repair options. Hose is a little over $100 and labor is not something I want to do myself so I will try to see what it costs at the dealer (parts + labor) or at some mechanics (my parts, their labor).
If you check this, look at the hose going from power steering reservoir to pump, that should be OK, but then from pump to rack is the high pressure hose, see if that is "wet" and with engine ON have someone turn steering wheel all way left-right several times and observe if you see any leaks.
YMMV as always.
P.S. if you need to add some fluid, use ONLY Honda power steering fluid, apparently it should not be mixed with other brands.