I have a 2001 Honda accord LX4 with 130k miles. Yesterday night I found out the power steering started to moan when I turned it to left or right. So I open the hood today and find out that the power steering fluid is lower than the low level bar. The pipe #16 "COOLER, POWER STEERING OIL" in the picture is leaking. I'm not sure how much work there's to replace the part 16 by myself. Is it possible to DIY?

 

It is something you can do.

Before attempting, look at how that pipe is mounted to the radiator support. It should be held on by a few bolts. Make sure you can remove those bolts before attempting. I would suggest soaking them with penetrating oil before trying to loosen.

 

Thanks for your replay. Do I need to remove the front bump? I've already ordered the pipe online.

 

Are you sure the metal pipe is the problem, or could it be one of the rubber hoses?

Looks like there are three plastic clips (#7) and 2 bolts (#24). I don't know how easy those items would be to access. I would guess that the lower splash shield would have to be removed. You may be able to remove the front grille and get enough access. I doubt the front bumper would need to be removed, but that may be the easiest way to do the repair.

 

I can tell the part below #20 is rusted and there's liquid on the rotten pipe while the rubber horse above is dry . So I guess it has big change the rusted part is leaking. Thank you about the information.

 

Hope you have small hands and tools,,,,1/4 drive is going to be your friend.

Yes you can do this with the correct tools....new pipe and clamps...plus time.

Highly suggest a bit of Honda PS fluid, these cars do not react well with non Honda/Acura approved fluid.

I hate those iron jawed termites.

 

Yes, the new pipe, clips and honda ps fluid are on the way.
I'll try this weekend. The pipe in the following picture is behind the front bumper. Now I still not sure how to remove the clamp in this picture. And another thing I don't know is if I need to jack the car. Do you have more suggestions? Thanks.

 

Well, I'd tell you to go from the bottom....there is this "tray" with like 15 small screws that need to come off to get tray out....then gently close the clamp on that clip. However, given the condition of the pipe, clamps and that......that plastic clamp is going to crumble in your hand as soon as you touch it.

You must live in the frozen tundra...north of me

Ok, you can buy a new clip for the line from the dealer.

Me, I'm poor. A small piece of 3/8 fuel hose, just an eyeball guess at the size....cut a slit and coat it with lube....slip it over the new pipe......take a zip tie and gently use the tie to hold the slit hose/pipe to that bracket....or agian, buy a ~$4 plastic clip from the dealer.

EDIT: That looks like #7 from the parts diagram, so if you have that on your list already,,,,,done deal.

 

Thanks for your suggestion. It's helpful.
I didn't order #7, so if it goes to crumble, you provide me a good alternate way to bind the pipe
I live in IL and salt is widely used during snow day in winter. That's why those pipes looks so rusted...

 

Finally, I gave up last weekend.
I drove to auto shop and they replaced the pipe for me today.
Unfortunately, they broken the AC pipe in the front since they didn't remove the front bumper and the space is too small for this kind of job.
They refused to purchase the ac pipe for me.