On 10/15/21, a Service Advisor at an Acura dealership told me that my power steering fluid was low and that the power steering rack was leaking from both sides, and recommended replacement. They also stated that the front and rear valve cover gaskets were leaking. After reviewing my service records, I discovered that I had both the power steering rack as well as the valve cover gaskets replaced on 5/27/18. How is it possible that I would need to have both the power steering rack as well as the valve cover gaskets replaced 3 ½ years later? That seems like an awfully short period of time, especially considering it was 12 years before I needed to replace them the first time. Any thoughts on how long those repairs should generally last? Thanks

 

Monitor the power steering fluid. In many cases rack is slightly wet but fluid level remains about the same for years. Maybe one of the hoses is leaking?

Hard to tell about valve cover gaskets. I've done mine recently because I was taking a look at the valves, and original gaskets weren't leaking despite having 120k / 13 years on them.

If somebody used cheap parts chances are that everything that acura dealer told you it's true, but from my experience dealers tend to be very picky about their inspections.

Meaning if something is not brand new and shiny they will recommend replacement.

 

Thanks - the dealership originally replaced the gaskets and power steering rack so I’m sure they used genuine parts. I just can’t believe they think they need to be replaced so soon. I think I’ll take your advise and just monitor it for a while. I also sent my concern to the dealership service manager and awaiting his response. Thanks again for your input.