First of all I'd like to apologize I'm still fairly beginner to cars in general so I'll do my best to explain my situation.

I've had a problem since tonight with my power steering (Honda Civic Si Veloz 2002) and while I'm fairly certain I know what caused it I don't know what the problem would be. I'm hoping if I can explain the situation a bit maybe someone would be able to lend me some advice as to what might be causing the issue or what to look for.

I was teaching my little sister how to drive today in a school parking lot and as a beginner she had troubles steering/braking smoothly, etc. So I told her it's fine as it's her first time, just don't turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right for too long as I heard that can damage your power steering pump. However, there may have been instances where her steering was not quite the best, or she may have had it near the locking position for a long enough time to damage something.

After the driving session we parked on my driveway for a bit and then I decided to take it for a test run, only to realize the steering wheel was now a bit stiffer, and harder to turn, however it still turns fine, with no noticeable noises while I do so. I return to my driveway only to realize that there is a leak on my driveway that's a red/brown color (which I'm assuming is the power steering fluid) and when checking under the hood my power steering fluid container (or whatever it's called) is now like half an inch below the minimum line, with the cap and area around it wet, indicating a leakage somewhere.

Would this most likely be a problem with the pump, a hose, or some other problem with the power steering? Should I just re-fill the fluid for now?

Thanks.

 

Just to update the situation, incase any of this helps.

I was working on my car earlier that day and always take a quick peek at the fluids (about 2hours before this happened) and it was at the max line. After noticing the steering getting very stiff (but drivable), it was half an inch below min. So I'm pretty certain it is a power steering leak, in fact.

So I experimented with it a bit today, as all mechanics here are closed on Sundays, and I topped it up with Prestone Power Steering fluid and the steering suddenly became normal again, very easy to steer. After driving for about 20-25 minutes the steering became stiff again, however upon checking the power steering fluid it seems like none of it has leaked *yet*. My friend who knows a fair bit about cars took a look and says he felt no leak around the pump, and suspects the solenoid valve as there may be an issue with the pressure of the fluid when the car is heated up.

Any thoughts?

 

Hmm.. well it must be leaking from somewhere if you noticed fluid in the driveway, the fluid was low, and the steering was resistant.


How dirty is the fluid in the reservoir?
Are there any bubbles or foaming in the power steering fluid?
Have you ever flushed the power steering system?

How many miles are on the car?



If you would like to flush the power steering system, click this link for a DIY.

 

I notice Ekltypze used non-Honda PS fluid as top up. Is this ok? My return line is leaking - wondering if i can replace just the metal section (Honda sells two parts: hose & tube. Also wondering about removing PS altogether - will insurance be affected if considered a 'customization' which they don't like. I read a thread on diy for this - seemed to have positive reviews but am really wondering if my wife will be able to handle parking etc. Thanks in advance