AndyD

iTrader: (1)

Hi all,

I just replaced the power steering rack on my '97 wagon. I filled the reservoir with 2 bottles of genuine Honda power steering fluid. Ever since, the fluid bubbles up and the PS pump whines.

I'm trying to bleed it but the fluid keeps bubbling up.

Here's what I'm doing to bleed it:
-Lifted the front wheels off the ground.
-Start car and turn the steering wheel full left and full right 10 times.
-Turn off car, pull PS reservoir cap, let bubbles pop until all gone.
-Put cap back on and repeat.

I've done this 5 times now and it doesn't seem to be getting better.

Do you think the previous owner might have used non-genuine Honda PS fluid and now that I'm using genuine Honda PS fluid, they aren't mixing well?

Before I swapped the steering rack, I didn't have any issues with PS pump whine or anything. Felt like the rack might be on its way out (262k miles on car) so I swapped in a rebuilt one since I was swapping in an F23 anyway. Easier while the engine is out.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Andy

holmesnmanny

Sounds like the new rack is missing an oring or otherwise had the rebuild done half hazardly.

Probably have to swap it out under warranty assuming they gave you one.

uberEFtuner

Its very simple. You have an air leak somewhere between the reservoir and the pump. When the pump sucks fluid from the tube with a hole in it air is sucked into the tube because air is thinner and easier to suck than thick fluid. Probably the hose clamp on the reservoir is loose. Try cutting off a little bit of the rubber hose. Then re clamping them on.


Its called cavitation. Its like a drinking straw with a hole in it. You have a hard time getting any of your drink, you get lots of air bubbles

holmesnmanny

If the pump and connecting hoses werent leaking before its not likely leaking immediately after.

Its possible the lines arent completely torqued down so perhaps check that first. The bolts need to be tight.