I have a leak on the hydraulic lines of my power steering rack. 96 Civic Coupe.
I am taking it into the shop to have it repaired.. but my question is.. While it's leaking, to protect the power steering pump, which is better? Refilling the fluid that has been drained from the power steering pump reservoir? Or remove the drivebelt to shut down the power steering pump, to protect it from running dry, and to stop the leaking from the rack? I didn't know which would be better. Or the fluid will continue to leak from the rack due to gravity?

 

If its not leaking profusely I would top off the fluid, no need to remove the belt.

 

yeah it lost about 1/3-1/2 of the reservoir on the way home, the subframe and sway bar are wet with power steering fluid, had to put cardboard under the car not to stain the concrete (three silver dollar size circles of fluid stains). I guess I could just refill it and let it leak on the way back to the shop.. what sucks is the subframe has to come out to do the repair! It's either going to be a new rack or replacing the hydraulic lines.. I'm not sure yet which way I want to go.. but thanks for the reply!