So I saw some leaks and the rattling has gotten worse. I was hoping that I got a reliable vehicle for the price I paid, and I really didn't want to believe that there'd be things wrong. I wanted to really get rid of the Kia because it doesn't have an immobilizer and it was not gonna be reliable in the long run but maybe this was the nickel and dime situation that I didn't want to believe to happen to me.
No engine oil leak or transmission fluid leak at least! Is it still worth rebuilding the rack and pinion and fuel tank?
I really didn't want to believe that there'd be things wrong.
You bought a 20-year-old car and actually expected there would be nothing wrong with it?
Get estimates on the needed work from a good independent mechanic and make the judgement call. (On most cars the rack-and-pinion replacement is a real bear of a job - meaning $$$ in labor.)
I've heard someone just say keep adding power steering fluid. But I feel this is unsafe and dangerous. But would this be an alternative til I can save up? (Trying to compare to oil burners and people just keep adding oil into the engine)
Depends how bad the leak is. (Are you sure it's the rack and not a hose or the pump?) If it's slow you could just periodically top it up for now.
If it really is the rack leaking you could also try something like ATS AT-205 "reseal" which Scotty has talked about. For power steering just a few ounces would be used, it might help the seals for a while if they're just shrunken but otherwise undamaged. (Yes, it's a band-aid but you're basically in "nothing to lose" territory.) You mentioned the fuel tank though, if that's leaking I'd be more concerned about that being dangerous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgctUEfEE14
Can I keep filling with AutoZone Power Steering Fluid that's Honda compatible or just use OEM?
Hondas are very picky about their fluids. While "Honda compatible" might be OK, OEM fluid is best.
If the alignment is really off and it does a lot of shaking and pulling it can wear the rack. But realize racks wear out over time from pure friction. I'm not a fan of rebuilt racks. It is such a pain in the ass to replace them. I would not want to attempt a rebuilt one
You bought a 20-year-old car and actually expected there would be nothing wrong with it?
Yeah 😅 I'm only 5 years older than the car and I'm still learning what it means to own a car and to be financially responsible after graduate school. I've heard places charge $800 for a full replacement but the mechanic I took it to is going to ask for quotes.
I've heard someone just say keep adding power steering fluid. But I feel this is unsafe and dangerous. But would this be an alternative til I can save up? (Trying to compare to oil burners and people just keep adding oil into the engine)
Depends how bad the leak is. (Are you sure it's the rack and not a hose or the pump?) If it's slow you could just periodically top it up for now.
When I took my lunch to see the mechanic, there was a puddle forming as the car was lifted and the mechanic did show me the leak coming from the rubber seal. I don't see any cracks but I'm not looking at it closely. I do have AT205 so maybe I'll try that instead for now? Remanufactured rack and pinion is $938 with parts, labor, alignment, and tax included.
You mentioned the fuel tank though, if that's leaking I'd be more concerned about that being dangerous.
The back bottom of the car had burnt gasoline. I'll double check how much this is.
The back bottom of the car had burnt gasoline. I'll double check how much this is.
Mechanic said he checked the gas burning by removing seats and said it's dry. Maybe I filled the car too much with gasoline? I'll just have to be really careful from now on. I'll clean the back bottom with degreaser.
I drive to work small streets so maybe I can top off and use AT 205 until I can make repairs. I did hear a snap when I parked and got out of my car once, but also a whining sound when I parked and got out of my car.
I'm fearful that the guys who did a wheel alignment messed with my rack an pinion. Is this possible?
I'm fearful that the guys who did a wheel alignment messed with my rack an pinion. Is this possible?
It's more likely that the decades-old seals are giving out due to old age. If the rack is leaking that badly that sounds like a seal with physical damage so it is unlikely that the AT-205 will do anything for it.
It's more likely that the decades-old seals are giving out due to old age. If the rack is leaking that badly that sounds like a seal with physical damage so it is unlikely that the AT-205 will do anything for it.
Understood. I'll top off until I get paid and cover expenses.
But what are your thoughts on maintaining this car and avoiding the used car market? I keep going back and forth between my Kia still.
If all it needs is the rack replaced but is otherwise in good condition I'd keep it. However any used car is a gamble, and the older it is the more of a gamble it is since relatively small things will continue to go wrong with it. An old car can nickel and dime you to death even if engine and trans are in good shape, especially if you don't do your own work and have to run to a mechanic for every little thing.
An old car can nickel and dime you to death even if engine and trans are in good shape, especially if you don't do your own work and have to run to a mechanic for every little thing.
I found instructional videos on how to change fluids, so I think I'm gonna invest in tools and two jacks and try to start there. I appreciate this feedback.
Depends how bad the leak is.
Can I keep filling with AutoZone Power Steering Fluid that's Honda compatible or just use OEM?
Once the seals go on a rack the leak will get worse and worse until you can't keep up with it. Run the system dry and there goes the power steering pump. Best to get it fixed ASAP. Good luck trying to unload it with a puddle underneath all the time.
Hi all! Looking to get feedback and brainstorm.
1. Can a bad wheel alignment destroy a rack and pinion? Either I didn't notice leaks before I had a wheel alignment, but the car definitely didn't drive straight. Now it does after a $70 alignment. But mechanics I've called to get quotes tell me it's slightly possible that a bad alignment can cause a rack and pinion leak.
2. Are remanufactured rack & pinions any good? I found a shop Japanese Auto Center and they stated $400-500 roughly for parts, labor, alignment. The rack and pinion is remanufactured, apparently with replaced seals and pressure tested. 2 years warranty.
Next cheapest is $750 at Japanese Car Clinic, 1 year warranty. And my mechanic near my job quoted me $931ish for remanufactured parts and labor. My other mechanic Art's Auto Care offered to inspect my car before giving me a quote. Any thoughts?
2000 Honda Civic LX 99k miles
I would not want to attempt a rebuilt one
In that case, do I just get a new one from AutoZone like the Duralast brand?
Hi all:
My 2nd mechanic told me today after changing my oil that my rack and pinion is still leaking despite paying for it to be replaced last week with a 2 year warranty.
When I was replacing the R&P, I told mechanic #1 that I had Honda OEM Power Steering Fluid and to use it when changing the rack and pinion but he didn't even use it (to be fair, I only bought 3 x 12oz bottles). I checked the car just now and it's a considerable leak underneath. For independent mechanics who may not be doing a great job, is it valid to ask for a refund or should I have them fix it again?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxo1KncotxGyxBDX6
The first mechanic didn't do the job correctly, have them fix it.