Power steering fluid leak/need a new Rack

[Spideyman20015]

I took my 1996 Honda Civic LX to a local mechanic, Honda and checked with an Auto Salvage place to see why my Power Steering fluid was leaking. I noticed a few weeks ago that there was no fluid in my reservoir, so I bought some Honda power steering fluid and filled it up. Days later I checked it and it was almost gone. Turns out after I took it to 3 places that I need to replace the Rack.

Long story short, It going to cost at least $700 to replace it.


I guess the main questions I have are:
I know there is power steering fluid that also fixes leak, but I figured it was more for Hoses and such. Would it do anything to help, at the very least slow the leak?
Would it be safe to disable the Power Steering? I was considering taking off the belt and just have no Power Steering instead of spending close to $1000 to fix it.

The main problem I have with spending this amount of money is that its close to half of what I payed for the car. And if I decide to Resell it, power steering shouldn't increase or diminish the value of the car by much if at all. But of course thats my opinion.

I would appreciate any advice since I'm somewhat new to cars and how everything works.

 

[Jermee]

Power steering is for wimps.....so is Ac....and heat....and a radio.

 

[Jermee]

But seriously, I'd just do a power steering delete. My Honda doesn't have any nice amenities, doesn't bother me much.....but I don't daily it. All up to you brother on what you want to do.

 

[Spideyman20015]

Funny thing is I have to replace the clutch(I think) on the AC compressor before its explodes everywhere. But I live it Florida so its kind of a must have. July and August down here is hot in a car even with AC on the BLOW YOUR EYEBROWS OFF setting.

 

[Jermee]

I live in Louisiana, I just drive with the windows down. But again when I drive it it's usually at night on weekends or it's to a car show. That's about it.

 

[Jermee]

But yes. AC is a must have in a daily for us.

 

[Spideyman20015]

I usually ride with windows down on the non-summer months but when you're in a suit or pants or with a girl they hate to mess up there hair... So A/C it is! haha

 

[2slo4u]

yep just take the PS off. Only time you'll really notice it is when you are stopped and try to turn

 

[Trekk]

I've never tried to rebuild a Honda rack, but the rebuild seal kit is like $10.
Normally it's easy to do, just some people like to punch in the ends, and that can make it a total pain the ass, to get it apart.

If your not planning to fix it, you can try to put a leak stopper of some sort in it.