hi all. my 4 cyl 2001 accord developed a leak in one of the lines going to the power steering rack. it's got 250,000 miles on it, all in michigan, so i'm not too surprised. i'm not sure which line it is, and i don't have a manual, so i was hoping you all could help me identify where the other end of the line goes so i have an idea of how difficult it will be to fix. i can't follow the line without removing some other parts, unfortunately. i took some pictures, but it's kinda hard to see. i removed the driver's side wheel, which is the angle that the picture was taken from (looking towards center of vehicle from the wheel well). the line that is leaking is the black line that is furthest forward in the vehicle (furthest left in the picture). even from underneath, i lose sight of it pretty quickly, but i can see what i believe to be the 2 other lines going across the rack (supply and return lines?). i just can't follow this one line. can anyone explain where this line goes? or can you photocopy a diagram from the repair manual?

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That line that is black in color is the high pressure line. The one just to the right of it is the return line (as evidenced by the rubber section in the hose.) This line runs from the power steering pump directly to the rack itself.

 

any chance you have a diagram or schematic? i'd like to know what all it will take to remove and replace this line.

 

stupid question: assuming the line going in to the rack is stuck...is honda power steering fluid flammable? i usually don't hesitate to break out my torch on stuck bolts...but have no experience with honda brand power steering fluid, so i don't know what will happen if i put a torch to it.

 

It's going to be tight from years of binding. Just make sure to use a flare wrench and put a box wrench inside of it on the end to give you more leverage/power.

 

do you happen to know what size flare wrench i will need? i'm going to be going to the store tomorrow. if not, no biggie, i'll just have to remove the wheel before i go and figure out the size with an open end wrench.

 

Should be a 14mm..u can get a set at Harbor Freight for like $10