coelcanth

1992 Civic LX

i am trying to track down a power steering leak. it looks to be coming from either a rusty steering fluid cooler tube or the rubber lines that attach to the cooler tube.
I've removed the front bumper but i'm still having a hard time accessing the lower steering pump lines. is there a way to move the AC condenser out of the way without disconnecting the refrigerant lines ??

any tips or thoughts appreciated
thanks

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Sadly, no. Those are hard aluminium lines. Unbolting the condenser might give you a little play but not much.

coelcanth

thanks,

i was able to determine it is definitely the rusty steel cooler tube itself that is leaking,
so by undoing the top hose clamps i was able to snake the whole cooler + two rubber elbow hoses out as one unit.
loosening the condenser did give me enough play to pull everything out through the front valence.

unfortunately the cooler is either discontinued or $130+ from the dealer.
i will either fab something up with copper or stainless tubing,
or take the easy way out and just loop the lower lines with some rubber hose.

any opinions on whether running the PS pump with no cooler is a bad idea ????

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

My Dad has a 92 Si and has been running without the p/s oil cooler line for 15 years or more.... i.e., like half the life of the car. It's fine. Southern Ontario summers though. May be different if you're in Florida or wherever with a hot climate.

BiggieBert

Hit up the junk yards, enough 92-95 civics came with power steering, i’m sure a cooler from any coupe/hatch/sedan would work.

tony_2018

They have a hose that loops back. If you want you can use an aftermarket cooler that's similar.

coelcanth

thanks guys,
i ended up bending a piece of 3/8" brake or fuel line into shape and using that.. it seems to be doing the trick.
biggest pain was getting the rubber hoses and clamps into position while reaching behind the condenser but i think everything will hold

tony_2018

This is where you'll have to find some gas lines that are formed with a 90 degree and cut them for your use, basically custom making your own rubber lines.