[Tbrenner75]

2009 Honda Accord Ex-l v6
I've just had my timing belt and oil pump seal replaced. Total $1587.26.
Now I'm told that there is a heavy leak from the power steering rack, the front spool valve and the valve cover. Quoted $3015.00 🤮
Just wondering if that amount seems standard or not?
Also, I was having to add power steering fluid about once/month. Is that considered to be a heavy leak?
Any input is greatly appreciated!!
I've driven Hondas most of my life and have known many people with Hondas throughout. Never have I experienced or have known anyone to experience these high $ problems. Am I just the lucky one?

 

[a1smith]

Our kids bought 2 used Accords - we bought I4 for both because it has timing chain rather than belt. I've done all of the other work so I can't say much about dealer/mechanic fees but it does seem rather high. Other than the usual PM's when buying a used car the biggest job so far has been replacing VVT solenoid. So, we've been lucky. Hope it ends up costing less for you to get it all fixed. I would say a second quote (maybe third) is in order from other places.

 

[Tbrenner75]

Thank you! I figured I would get at least one more quote or run it til it dies 🥴

 

[DerekWildstar]

I'd take it for a second opinion. Are you having a dealer do all of your work, or an independent mechanic? Years ago, when I had my 2003 Accord V6 coupe, I had a bunch of stuff go wrong/wear out all at the same time. I'd been going to the same shop for a long time, and I asked them to triage it in terms of (a) fix this now or you will be stranded on the highway and/or compromise your safety (b) fix it soon, but don't wait too long and (c) when you can get around to it, cool. When you take it to a different shop, I'd ask them to triage it along those same lines.

Bear in mind that your car is 12+ years old at this point, so stuff is going to wear out. The V6 models of the 8th gen tends to be a little more spendy in terms of maintenance costs as well - if low total cost of ownership is the thing you value most, you'd have done better with a 4-cylinder model. You may just have the misfortune of it all wearing out at once. Assuming the steering rack leak is something you can stay on top of with additional fluid, my priority would probably be the spool valve - that is a known issue with the 8th gen Accords, and a leak there can also toast your alternator, leading to yet more repair dollars.

That said, my 2012 V6 coupe could blow up tomorrow, and it would still be the most reliable car I've ever owned. I'd drive it from NJ to California without a second thought.

 

[Tbrenner75]

Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts, etc.
One of the reasons I bought this car was because of the v6 🤪 it is much quicker than any v6 I've ever driven! I know things we're out in the car is old but it just seems so crazy to me. I'm also a little unsure because it is a Honda dealership that is giving me this information. I've heard too many stories about dealerships to not be a little bit weary. I also have to consider whether or not it's worth putting an additional three to four grand into. What I listed in my post was just a portion of what they believe needs to be done. I'm not concerned necessarily about any of the gaskets because if I can't change them I know somebody that can, it's the rack that I would never attempt to do myself. I think I will definitely find a second opinion at a local shop, see what they have to say and go from there. In the meantime I will be sure to keep my eye on power steering fluid. I'm still a little confused at how he came to the conclusion that is a heavy leak considering I check it once a week and I probably add fluid maybe once a month and even then it's never down below the minimum line.

 

[DerekWildstar]

Beware the shady dealership. Quick story - since the early 2000s, I've basically used the same dealership for all of my maintenance work. The do good work, they don't upsell me, and their prices are reasonable. Two years ago, I had to take my car into another dealer for an emergency repair (it was a holiday weekend and they were open - a lot of places nearby were not, and my usual place was too far away). Now, "shady dealer" did identify the problem and made the repair effectively. However, when I got the invoice back, attached was a vehicle inspection report detailing all kinds of 'Critical" issues, each highlighted in red with black, bold-faced text. When I pressed them, they admitted that the issues were either because they didn't have any record of me having the service done in their system, or that it was something that could be an issue (like brake pads at 4mm...). A few months later, when I took my car to my usual place, I brought the inspection report from the other place with me, and the service advisor went through it line by line like, "Nope. No. Definitely not, Did this last year. Nope. Did this six months ago. Nope. Never do this. No..."

Long story short? Get a second opinion on that estimate.

 

[slimm1469]

They do leak with high mileage. I just don't trust dealers, they're slippery. Find out, though, what kind of leaks there are, i.e. is it seeping? Or are there leak spots where you park? If they're seeping get a good tech show you how to add fluid. Often it's just an o-ring on the PS pump. It may be something you can put off for a while. And yes, those quotes are really high.

 

[WiiMaster]

The front spool valve gasket leak could be problematic if it gets worse as it sits right above the alternator, so a more serious leak there could fry the alternator, which is not what you want on a long trip.

The valve cover gasket can also leak on the alternator, but the front spool valve is more common.

 

[Tbrenner75]

They do leak with high mileage. I just don't trust dealers, they're slippery. Find out, though, what kind of leaks there are, i.e. is it seeping? Or are there leak spots where you park? If they're seeping get a good tech show you how to add fluid. Often it's just an o-ring on the PS pump. It may be something you can put off for a while. And yes, those quotes are really high.

The power steering leak cannot possibly be heavy. Never any signs of it in my driveway and I would think if it were a heavy leak, it would need fluid added far more often

 

[Inspire2.4]

Little off topic but you could install a stiffer front sway bar while they get to the PS rack since they have to droop the back of the subframe anyway. Good luck on your repairs.. btw new racks are expensive. Check part prices online before the shop rips you off on "OEM parts".

 

[Hudouc]

I think @scar_cle is one of the only people that had to replace or repair their steering rack in one of these cars. He can probably provide the best insight in terms of cost.

Honestly, as a person that DIY everything, a steering rack leak is one of the only things that I'd get rid of the car for. Expensive part, extremely time consuming, and difficult to replace.

 

[Tbrenner75]

I think @scar_cle is one of the only people that had to replace or repair their steering rack in one of these cars. He can probably provide the best insight in terms of cost.

Honestly, as a person that DIY everything, a steering rack leak is one of the only things that I'd get rid of the car for. Expensive part, extremely time consuming, and difficult to replace.

My thoughts at the moment are that I'm being played by the dealership to some extent. I was looking over a quote I was given just over a week ago and the most recent. They're not jiving.
I'm going to be getting a 2nd opinion and go from there.

 

[scar_cle]

I'd take it for a second opinion. Are you having a dealer do all of your work, or an independent mechanic? Years ago, when I had my 2003 Accord V6 coupe, I had a bunch of stuff go wrong/wear out all at the same time. I'd been going to the same shop for a long time, and I asked them to triage it in terms of (a) fix this now or you will be stranded on the highway and/or compromise your safety (b) fix it soon, but don't wait too long and (c) when you can get around to it, cool. When you take it to a different shop, I'd ask them to triage it along those same lines.

Bear in mind that your car is 12+ years old at this point, so stuff is going to wear out. The V6 models of the 8th gen tends to be a little more spendy in terms of maintenance costs as well - if low total cost of ownership is the thing you value most, you'd have done better with a 4-cylinder model. You may just have the misfortune of it all wearing out at once. Assuming the steering rack leak is something you can stay on top of with additional fluid, my priority would probably be the spool valve - that is a known issue with the 8th gen Accords, and a leak there can also toast your alternator, leading to yet more repair dollars.

That said, my 2012 V6 coupe could blow up tomorrow, and it would still be the most reliable car I've ever owned. I'd drive it from NJ to California without a second thought.

I actually just drove my '12 V6 from Northern Ohio to Basically Everglades City FL (about 1350 mi each way) total of 2700mi (this is approx tho so dont quote my math)
Ran flawless. Love that V6 power in those hills on I-77 in WVA and VA Especailly. Such good power with not a screaming RPM of the I4. Burned 0 oil, Used 0 coolant. Drove in various temps from almost 90F to close to 30F. Also drove in sheeting rain for about 30 mins and had no issues at all.

My Power steering rack replacement was on a 2008 LX-P that was leaking the day we got it. I think they billed the warranty about 2800$ to replace the whole rack. It was like 12 hours of labor
They said "it was abused at some point" as its very very rare for these to go. (dealer said they never saw this before mine)

 

[slimm1469]

My rack was seeping, according to a dealer, at close to 120k miles. I had HondaCare which paid 100% for a new rack. The dealer could have ripped off HondaCare and was lying to me. You never know.