This morning the mechanic found an internal leak in rack and pinion on my TSX 2004. P/S fluid was very low and he could feel fluid inside one of the rubber boots of rack and pinion. He said R&P has to be replaced as a unit, about $400 labor and $$ for parts. I thought he can take it apart and replace a seal or something but he said it is only replaced as a whole. Does it sound about right?

S

 

I don't know the definite answer but it's entirely possible that the unit is not rebuildable. I don't think any one is trying to pull one over on you here.

 

i have the same problem, the part cost like 800 oem new or junk yard for 125. i havent fixed it yet, i just keep on added more fluid.

 

Yeah the thing to do is going to be replace the whole unit. Then again if you were hand enough and could pinpoint the leak there are replacement parts available:

 

Thanks for the replies. Do you know if it's safe to add more fluid? I suspect eventually the boot will fill with fluid and rupture.

 

The boot is to keep dirt out, not keep the fluid in. The fluid will just leak past the boot. In many cases, the boots have little drain nipples to prevent fluid from building up (and collecting dirt which can damage the fluid seals).

What you should be worried about is the seal giving out completely and losing all the pressure in your power steering. You'd still be able steer the car, but at lower speeds it would take significantly more effort.

 

Makes sense. This doesn't sound like a big deal unless it happens suddenly in a slow speed turn with oncoming traffic I better pay to fix this thing.