I have a 1996 Accord 2.2L LX.

I drove about 300 miles to where I'm at now, and when I stopped for gas, I noticed it was hard to turn. So, I checked the power steering fluid and it was completely out. I also saw fluid everywhere and so I assumed a leak.

I bought some fluid and filled up the canister, turned on the engine, and after about 3 minutes, it was gone completely. I then called a wrecker and the mechanic at the shop said my pump was leaking ( I made him show me), and that I needed a new pump, belts (because it was covered in fluid), and plus labor that total to be $430.

I left my car at the shop tonight and told them not to work on it. They were really overpricing it. I'm trying to find someone that can do it at a fair price, but I don't think I'll have any luck in Boonville, MO.

Tomorrow morning I have 450 miles to go to my destination, which is a one-way trip to Nashville, TN and I'm doing highway driving mainly.

My intention is to drive it out of the shop. I understand that at higher speeds, there shouldn't be a problem. Also the belts are under tension, so the fluid on them shouldn't be a problem??

Is this a good idea?

Thanks.

 

Probably best if you cut the belt off. Otherwise, if the pump seizes up the belt will burn up and things could get pretty hot under the hood. The PS belt only turns the PS pump so nothing else is effected.

 

Simply cut the power steering belt with a knife? Later on, should I take out the pump? I will cut the PS belt, thanks for your help!

 

my brother-in-law has a 93 accord and his power steering has been inoperative for over a year now...dirves it everywhere. Not sure how much steering effort it takes on the driver's part in traffic or slow speed conditions, but he say's its no big deal.

changing that pump of your's is not a diffficult task. consider buying the parts yourself and taking a shot at it. might save a bunch.

 

Yes, since the belt is soaked with oil, just cut it off with a knife.

Power steering pumps don't fail too often so there are lots of good ones in the junkyards for little money, like $25 or so. Shop labor can't be more than 1/2 hour to replace it, or consider doing it yourself; it's a really easy job.

 

I agree with the others just remove the belt. As far as short term driving without it it would be fine. If I were going to drive years without it I would rig up a reservoir so the rack stays lubricated.

$425 seems very high, that better be the price for a new pump. As another user said a junkyard will probably give you a PS pump for next to nothing, or check ebay. Changing it is a pretty easy job that a novice with a few metric sockets and a couple wrenches can do.