Hi All,

First, thanks for looking at my plea, I've never done this before, so I'm hoping someone can help me out. I have a 1990 Honda Prelude, and since I bought it in October, I have replaced clutch, alternator, intake (input?) shaft bearing, and a wide variety of other things that have fallen off or broken. I now have developed a small leak to the left front driver side tire, but I don't know what it is. Mechanic says it's not oil, and since it's right under my power steering fluid, I would assume that is where it's coming from, but I've been told it should be red. It's not, it's a light brown. It's getting bigger and bigger the more I drive it, and I'm concerned that I'm going to screw something up if I don't get if fixed soon.

The other thing is the rididulously loud clanking noise that come from my back end when my rear tires go over a bump. It's not the shocks (struts, whatever), and there doesn't look to be anything wrong with the allignment... Since I'm a girl, I am convinced it is something stupid like the hubcap, but I fear (since the noise is SO LOUD) that it is something more severe.

If anyone has any ideas/suggestions... please email me at ksputek@telus.net (or post in forum). I would appreciate any advice!!

Krista

 

Power steering fluid is a little lighter in color than honey when it is fresh, similar to brake fluid. It darkens over time with contamination. Gravity pulls fluid down so look for the highest point and you'll probably find the leak. If yoiu arent sure, clean off the area that you suspect the leak is from and drive the car for a while then recheck for fresh fluid. Being a girl means nothing. Yoiu have a brain and can learn just like anyone else. As for the clanking noise, you have to do an investigation that might require the car to be put up on a lift. I'd look at teh exhaust and various suspension bushings for the clank. Hell, it may be something loose in your trunk...

 

For the clanking noise, check the bushings on the rear suspension. I have a creak as well and it seems as though my rear trailing arm bushings have started cracking and metal to metal contact has begun.

I would say that you are leaking power steering fluid. Power steering fluid on Hondas is not like most cars because it takes a fluid formulated only for Honda steering racks. Other cars can just use automatic transmission fluid, which is red in color. Honda fluid is brown like foot said, so check your reservoir and power steering lines for the leak. Have you noticed any change in fluid level to suggest a leak?

 

for the leak next to ur front tire look for ripped or broken brake lines. had the same problem a few weeks ago. a huge puddle of brownish fluid next to the tire.

 

have you checked to see if your CV boot is not cracked if it is it would leak grase out as you travel only and not when you are stationery.