Significant power steering leak but cannot find source

[cwilliamsws6]

Howdy. My 2007 Honda CR-V got into an accident a few months back. Long story short I'm stupid I ran into a pole and essentially the entire front end got rebuilt. I had to get a new CV axle, wheel, lower control arm, both struts, wheel speed sensor, and alignment.

About a week later, I developed a significant power steering leak that I still cannot find the source of. I have to refill the reservoir weekly. I have replaced the pressure and return lines as well as all the hose clamps that I saw. The reservoir itself isn't leaking.

My spot on our driveway, my parking spots at school and work all have puddles stained onto them now. The right half of my bumper cover has a wet spot stained on it from the power steering fluid leaking through it. The lower control arm is pretty much soaked too when I look at it. Could it be the steering rack?

I'm probably just going to take it to my mechanic and make it his problem as quite honestly I'm done messing with this car, as I've also had to replace the alternator and starter in the last month, but I want to see what y'all think first, because if I can possibly do it myself I will. Thanks!

 

[MolaKule]

just a guess, but there could have been an impact to the pulley which messed up the seal. I.e., the shaft could be somewhat wobbly and enlarged the seal.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Didn't some Hondas of that era have problems with O-rings in the rack somewhere?

 

[Trav]

Check the radiator tank for leakage, many times crimped radiators will develop leaks after an impact, its usually a coolant leak but it could be a line fitting. If dry pop the outer clamp on the rack boots in the tie rods, inset a thin flat screwdriver blade without damaging the boot and see if fluid runs out.

 

[DejaVue]

Originally Posted by cwilliamsws6
The right half of my bumper cover has a wet spot stained on it from the power steering fluid leaking through it.

Unless the fluid is spraying from farther away, I'd expect the leak to be in that bumper area. I thought CRVs have a power steering line that runs in front of the engine, (maybe cracked it during the accident). Maybe I'm thinking of a cooler line or something. And you said you already replaced the lines anyway.

It has to be leaking from somewhere. Wipe down everything, then follow the trail of fluid that starts appearing.

 

[cwilliamsws6]

Originally Posted by DejaVue
Originally Posted by cwilliamsws6
The right half of my bumper cover has a wet spot stained on it from the power steering fluid leaking through it.

Unless the fluid is spraying from farther away, I'd expect the leak to be in that bumper area. I thought CRVs have a power steering line that runs in front of the engine, (maybe cracked it during the accident). Maybe I'm thinking of a cooler line or something. And you said you already replaced the lines anyway.

It has to be leaking from somewhere. Wipe down everything, then follow the trail of fluid that starts appearing.


There is a power steering line that runs in front of the engine, that is the return line, which yes I did replace.

Originally Posted by MolaKule
just a guess, but there could have been an impact to the pulley which messed up the seal. I.e., the shaft could be somewhat wobbly and enlarged the seal.

I will look into that tonight. I haven't seen any fluid leaking from the pump or near the pulley but its always a possibility.

Originally Posted by slacktide_bitog
Didn't some Hondas of that era have problems with O-rings in the rack somewhere?

I have never heard that but I'll research it.

 

[WyrTwister]

Rack & pinion steering ? Go over it very carefully . May need to take it to the car wash and wash the entire engine compartment down very well .

 

[mk378]

Leaks from the ends of the rack are common. Put newspapers or cardboard under the car when it is parked to spot exactly where the drips come from.

 

[mk378]

Leaks from the ends of the rack are common. Put newspapers or cardboard under the car when it is parked to spot exactly where the drips come from.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

How about adding some Leak Detector Dye to the P.S. fluid.
Can be bought in a Kit containing:
1) Dye
2) Flashlight
3) Yellow Glasses

What it is
https://jet.com/product/detail/6f7d87dfe3a04c4186f5708b0b3d8ce8

How it's Used
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=636RLecs8_U

 

[zzyzzx]

Clean the whole area really good. Then find a way to inspect with the car running and someone in the car turning the steering wheel back and forth.

 

[anpconnors]

We have a 2004 CRV and the rack is mounted behind the motor, hoses near exhaust may be deteriorating from the heat? If its leaking alot, wipe off the hoses and connections and apply baby powder. Then start, turn wheel a little bit, shut off, and inspect. I agree using the dye and black light is the preferred method, but you may be lucky in finding it without buying tools. Wear eye protection, use parking brake and make sure vehicle is off then working on it, be safe.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I just replaced the PS pump on our beloved 2006 TSX with about 190K miles. Similiar K24 as your CR-V.
You can easily see the leak on the top of the pump.
I cleaned it with brake clean and wiped it down.
I let it idle and turned the steering wheel lock to lock.
The seepage started pretty quickly.

Easy peasey. Good luck.

 

[lairdwd]

maybe put it up on rhino ramps to get the drip to come out in a better location? That's what I had to do with my PS leak to eventually find the source, but it was leaking a lot worse.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted by lairdwd
maybe put it up on rhino ramps to get the drip to come out in a better location? That's what I had to do with my PS leak to eventually find the source, but it was leaking a lot worse.


Not a good idea to use ramps since on PS leaks you usually have to turn the wheel. Unless there is something about those particular ramps that makes turning the wheel OK to do.

 

[cjcride]

Originally Posted by zzyzzx
Originally Posted by lairdwd
maybe put it up on rhino ramps to get the drip to come out in a better location? That's what I had to do with my PS leak to eventually find the source, but it was leaking a lot worse.


Not a good idea to use ramps since on PS leaks you usually have to turn the wheel. Unless there is something about those particular ramps that makes turning the wheel OK to do.

Rhino Ramps Not ok to turn the steering left to right. Just meant to drive up onto them and reverse off when done.