Honda power steering problem

[Tedrick]

When I got a company car 3 years ago, I put my '96 Honda Prelude in storage because it needed engine gaskets and timing belt service. I had been planning to turn it into a project car with my stepson, but that never got going. Fast-forward to this past November, and my company is hurting and trying to control costs, so they decide to get rid of my company car. Rather than buy a new car, I decide to pull the Prelude out and get it roadworthy again. I got engine redone and the car is running great, but the power steering didn't work. Worse, when the car got warmed up, the power steering fluid level in the reservoir would increase and overflow out the top, making a nasty, oily mess. A tech friend suggested the power steering pump had gone bad.

So, I ordered a re-built pump and installed it. Right out of the box, the pump made a noticeable noise, like a bearing going bad, but I had power steering again. Sunday, I warmed the car up and took if for a drive only to find that I have no power steering again. Got back from a trip around the block and popped the hood, and there's fluid leaking out of the reservoir top again. Made a nice mess in the driveway.

Does this sound like a bad pump, or could it be something else in the power steering system that is causing the fluid to back up and overflow the reservoir? Before I pull the pump and return it under warranty, I need to figure out what the deal is.

 

[bigstereo]

You have speed sensing variable assist rack and pinion? Maybe a problem within the rack or plugged/kinked lines, could be a bad speed sensor. I'm guessing.

 

[Tedrick]

Thanks, I'll check in to those things and see what I come up with.