I have a 2002 RL and the power steering/rack/pinion is out. I am told that this is typical of the year and a difficult repair. The car steers fine when it's rolling but occasionally I will smell hot fluid after driving. I assume this is the power steering pump/fluid overheating. If replacing the power steering/rack/pinion is difficult without a lift, is there a way that I can disconnect the power steering pump so that it is not overheating?

Try to find out the actual issue. IE if there is a leak or if it is actually boiling. If it is boiling, flush the fluid with at least 50-70 ounces of the PS fluid of your choice ASAP and maybe mount a cooler behind the lower grille if it persists. If it is somehow the rack, then replacement isn't too bad. Just the clamps on the hoses by the rack are a PITA, You will need to use fuel hose injection clamps to replace them. They will break or be really hard to remove.

Smh, thos is a simple system and the only thing that could "boil" the fuild is the Power steering pump. So sounds like the pump is bad.
Also, as mentioned, the hoses are known to leak(weak point). There is a high pressure line and 2 other lines(prone to leak).
As for lift, I have used jack stands and a jack to replace and repair ALL 3 of my RL's!

There is a rebuild kit for these pumps as well. If you know what your doing, great option, 20$

Also, when you do this, be wary of the line clamps. One of mine rusted out and broke so I am saving the other one for a later date to potentially make copies in the future as the part is NLA. Need to learn how to CAD though since I have no engineering background! In the meantime, I used zip ties and the original rubber piece to secure the lines in the meantime. Not good, but it is the only option ATM.

New here. Thanks for having me. I have a 2002 RL I will be replacing or rebuilding my rack and pinion soon. I'm hoping someone has some experience with it. Any tips and tricks? Is there any recommended maintenance I should do while I have it out?

Only tip really is to replace the PS reservoir. It contains a non-replaceable filter. Other than that, Lubegard Honda/Acura power-steering fluid is your friend. It is great stuff and works in the RL nicely.

Thanks. I didn't know that. Do you know if there is any guides for the rack an pinion removal? I cant find hardly anything on it.

Here you go. Not hard at all. Just need good upper body strength for this job. I'd suggest replacing the wire-style hose-clamps with fuel-injection hose clamps