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Question -
Hi Ray,
I have a 1999 Honda Accord with 59,000 miles. My power steering seemed to be whining when my car was first started. The dealership said that the power steering rack was cracked so the fluid was leaking. They quoted me $945 for the repair.
I do not see puddles of fluid in my garage. I checked the fluid and it was low, so I topped it off last night. This morning it was still full. I plan to get other prices for this repair. Can you please tell me how serious this might be, how large a repair it is, and what the consequences are of letting it go for a while and keeping the power steering fluid filled?
Thanks!!!
Answer -
Sharon,awfull low miles for a steering rack to start leaking on a honda car,has your car been in an accident or some kind of hard impact on the front wheels.In either case when a steering rack starts leaking it ussualy fills the boots at end of the rack before the fluid starts hitting the ground.If it is a crack in the rack assembly the problem is potentialy very serious(remember thats your steering we're talking about)the repair takes about 2-3 hours I think.The risk of letting it go is further damage to the system as well as a potential safety hazard.get a second opinion if trust in your dealer is an issue and allways use honda parts. Ray
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Hi Ray,
Thanks so much for your answer! In answer to your question, "Sharon, awfull low miles for a steering rack to start leaking on a honda car, has your car been in an accident or some kind of hard impact on the front wheels" I do not know. I purchased this car used in May. A VIN search did not reveal any accidents. I do have my suspicions now, as I have already had to replace the rear bearings.
So far the power steering fluid level has not gone down. That makes me think that the problem is not advanced. I am going to get a second opinion, if only to see if I can reduce the repair costs. $85 an hour labor seems high to me. If a VIN search does not reveal a former accident, how can I tell if there are other potentially serious problems awaiting me in the near future? I would have expected a low mileage Honda to be fairly worry free…
Answer Hi sharon,your right you should expect your honda to be relatively worry free.I recommend you take your car to the dealer for a "Safety Check",that should include a complete inspection of the car from bumper to bumper,inside and out.That being done they should be able to give you an accurate appraisal of your cars condition.Why take it to honda?nobody knows your car better than they do and they should be able to spot things that an independent shop may miss.Please note that it looks like your car is due for a 60k service and I'm sure they would be happy to incorporate the safety check into the service. Good luck,Ray
