Fix-A-Leak for power steering, Accord 93

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WooHoo2You - 29 Jan 2006 06:10 GMT

My wife's Accord is leaking power steering fluid. I bought the Fix-A-Leak
product, I figure 4 dollars is worth a try. However, from what I
understand, Hondas require special power steering fluid. Basically, will it
hurt her car? Even if I have seen this product on store shelves for years,
I could not find any information online about the company. The package
states it is compatible with "most" cars.

Otherwise, the car is in near mint condition, and I had it repainted last
week. It would be a shame to destroy it a Honda. (I love my Civic)

Thanks in advance for any help.

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'Curly Q. Links' - 29 Jan 2006 06:27 GMT

> My wife's Accord is leaking power steering fluid. I bought the Fix-A-Leak
> product, I figure 4 dollars is worth a try. However, from what I
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> --
> WooHoo2You

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you know where the leak is coming from, please tell us. Maybe it
would be less risky to fix the leak rather than 'polluting' the PS
fluid. . .

'Curly'

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WooHoo2You - 29 Jan 2006 08:16 GMT

> If you know where the leak is coming from, please tell us. Maybe it
> would be less risky to fix the leak rather than 'polluting' the PS
> fluid. . .

It seems to be coming from the main reservoir, or from the tube that runs
under it. However, not being three feet tall, my hands are little large to
get to the problem without removing a number of unrelated pieces of the
motor.

My question, would I be 'polluting my system or not?

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Eric - 29 Jan 2006 08:13 GMT

> My wife's Accord is leaking power steering fluid. I bought the Fix-A-Leak
> product, I figure 4 dollars is worth a try.

It's not worth it in my opinion.

> However, from what I understand, Hondas require special power steering
> fluid.

Yes, you need to use Honda's PSF. Generic PSF (or ATF) will cause the seals
in the rack to fail.

> Basically, will it hurt her car?

Probably.

> Even if I have seen this product on store shelves for years, I could not
> find any information online about the company. The package states it is
> compatible with "most" cars.

"Most cars" probably doesn't include Honda.

> Otherwise, the car is in near mint condition, and I had it repainted last
> week. It would be a shame to destroy it a Honda. (I love my Civic)

I agree. My recommendation would be to fix the leak problem. If it's a
hose that's leaking then replace it. If the pump is leaking, which usually
occurs as the front seal, then the seal can be replaced. If the rack is
leaking, then the best route would be to replace the rack with a rebuilt
unit.

Eric

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karl - 30 Jan 2006 07:42 GMT

> Date: Sun, Jan 29 2006 12:13 am
> From: Eric
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Yes, you need to use Honda's PSF. Generic PSF (or ATF)
> will cause the seals in the rack to fail.

Radiator Speciality Company makes a

. "Power Steering Fluid for Honda Vehicles"

"Specifically formulated to meet the Requirements
of Honda vehicles."

What experience, if any, do people have with this
product?

.

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Michael Pardee - 29 Jan 2006 08:32 GMT

> My wife's Accord is leaking power steering fluid. I bought the Fix-A-Leak
> product, I figure 4 dollars is worth a try. However, from what I
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.

Count me in on the chorus that thinks it is awfully risky. Many cars use
Dexron ATF or similar for power steering fluid, while Hondas won't tolerate
it. I fear you may damage the seals in the rack and be far worse off than
you are now.

In my experience unseen power steering leaks are from hoses, usually the
high pressure side. Those are not going to be sealed by any additive because
of the pressures. Maybe you can get a hand on the hose ends (where the hoses
attach to the metal fittings) near the pump with a paper towel to look for
wetness. If the hose is wet, replacing the hose is the only fix.

Mike

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WooHoo2You - 29 Jan 2006 19:58 GMT

> Count me in on the chorus that thinks it is awfully risky. Many cars use
> Dexron ATF or similar for power steering fluid, while Hondas won't
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> to look for wetness. If the hose is wet, replacing the hose is the only
> fix.

Thanks Mike & Everyone , if it would not hurt my wife's car, it was worth a
try. However, from what is the common opinion here, I will definitely try
to repair it myself, or if I am unable to do so, get it fixed ASAP. I am a
manager in a grocery store, so returning the item will not present a
problem.

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