problems with steering..what is my best option?

Vampire · 10-24-12, 03:39 PM

Hey guys, it all started when I took my car into Meineke for an oil change. I didn't have the time to do it myself because my gf was using that car for work and I was at work with my other car. They said my fluid was low and decided to top off my power steering fluid, which I didn't ask for. They filled it that it was way over the stop line. I decided to take some fluid out in case of any pressure problems the over flowing fluid might cause.

A week later I started hearing noise from the power steering area. I checked and the fluid went back up. Strangely I haven't added any fluid. I didn't have the time to check whats wrong with it, but it started this squeaking noise. After a week of my gf driving the car, my steering went out. I'm guessing either the rack and pinion or tie rods.

I asked a few mechanics around and one told me it was possible that someone put in the wrong fluid causing the power steering pump to go out, thus messing up the rack & pinion assembly. I think that might have been true because I just fixed my brake master cylinder because of bad fluid. What I saw was a mixture of blue/green yellow. But I haven't got to changing my booster, which has been affected as well.

I'm starting to think that this is all connected and was done on purpose. Ever since that oil change, problems have been going on, and it's the only time I didn't change it myself... I will never take it to a shop like that again.

I was wondering what should I do? Would be a lot to repair or purchase another legend? Considering price and the situation of what happened I don't know what else is affected. I also started to smell a little burning from tranny..

Thanks

BIGBOY · 10-24-12, 04:22 PM

The best option would be to swap the rack and power steering pump. I suggest doing a PS flush before replacing. If it just happened it might be able to be saved depending on WTH they poured in there. (Only use Honda/Acura Fluids) anything else will surely cost you 100's of dollars in repairs.

Vampire · 10-24-12, 05:48 PM

In what order? rack&pinion -> flush -> pump?

Vampire · 10-24-12, 07:37 PM

Reason I asked was because if the pump caused the rack& pinion to mess up, I would think to replace the pump first so it wont mess up again. But in order to flush, I would need the rack&pinion installed first so I can turn the wheel left and right. I was hoping I can save the pump but is there any other way to flush it?

manbat · 10-25-12, 07:02 PM

If u have to buy a rack, buy one from Acura of Augusta. I just bought one after
returning my second rack and pinion to a parts store last night. I am getting it
installed as I type. Fluild might be cheaper there as well.

ari_one · 10-26-12, 01:17 AM

If it was mine, I would flush the ps fluid without doing anything with the pump or rack. That way you will find out if the fluid is the only problem. Acura/Honda racks don't like non-Honda ps fluid. Here is a diy for flushing: Power Steering Fluid Flush DIY

Vampire · 10-26-12, 02:50 AM

Thank you for the DIY. I have one problem though, I have no steering due to a broken rack& pinion. They say to turn left and right but will it work if the r&p is broken?

ari_one · 10-27-12, 06:38 PM

So what happens when you lift the front of the car up so the tires are off of the ground and then turn the steering wheel? If nothing happens when turning the steering wheel, then what happens if you try to turn a tire by hand?

Vampire · 10-29-12, 01:04 PM

The tires will turn by hand if you turn them. I was actually talking about engaging the pump to flush the fluid, you do that by turning left and right. I don't know how hard it is, but I had to turn the wheels straight to re park and it took a lot of force but that was when it was on the ground. hehe

ari_one · 10-30-12, 10:47 PM

Have you checked to make sure the steering column is still attached to the rack? Sometimes the bolt holding the steering column to the rack breaks and then the steering wheel just turns freely without turning the tires. If your steering wheel is stiff then perhaps only your pump is bad and not pumping any fluid through.

Vampire · 10-31-12, 03:52 PM

Yeah I can turn and turn and get nothing. Thanks I will check it out, but my mechanic has said it broke, but you never know..

Vampire · 11-04-12, 01:59 AM

Does anyone know what that part that locks into the rack and pinion? its like a joint or knuckle of some sort where it has teeth(splines?). Its like an L shape but can move straight and stuff? lol

I'm guessing it's a steering joint lock. Can't find any info on the name to purchase that part...

ari_one · 11-06-12, 12:17 AM

The rack and steering column attach together with the joint. The joint (pic below) has two bolts that have been known to break if not tightened correctly or if overtightened. Some have recommended buying a longer bolt and putting a nut on the other side for added insurance (space permitting).

Vampire · 11-06-12, 07:44 PM

What happened was the threading in the joint was very low. It wouldn't catch. Some reason there was fluid underneath the pinion but we figured out it wasn't from the rack. You are right. It does seem like this was replaced before since there was no cover and the bolt was accompanied by a nut to act like a big washer to hold it in place. Thank you for helping.

ari_one · 11-08-12, 12:43 AM

Glad to hear you got it worked out