$3500 sounds like a LOT for that amount of work. Mounts aren't too hard for the home mechanic; the bolts for the rear mount can be difficult if rusted in place. I'm a bit skeptical that the power steering fluid is that detrimental to the rubber in the mounts. Don't know if there are poly mounts for the Element. Did he say where it is leaking? It may be possible to repair the leak without removing the rack. Do use Honda PS fluid.
‘08 Element Ex Power Steering Rack Leak - Do I need to replace it now?
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Hi, do you have any pictures by chance of the motor mounts themselves? Are they cracked and the rubber falling apart?
Even if you use the Honda fluid, if the rack is leaking then you still have power steering fluid dripping on the mounts which can damage the rubber but it is a good idea to use the Honda fluid after the rack is replaced. Did they say they were replacing it with a brand new rack or a rebuilt rack?
You may be able to get a better price on a rebuilt rack, don't be shy about getting a second opinion especially from a friend or family member who is mechanically inclined. Or try another shop recommended by someone you know and trust
If you are only having to top it up a little power steering fluid over 2000 miles that doesnt sound bad to me. I have had worse leaks than that. In other cars some people have used something called Lucas Power Steering stop leak, its an additive that helps seal up leaks but it may not be compatable with the Honda power steering fluid. I will have to ask my mechanic and find out for you, I think he told me last year not to use it on Hondas but I will double check
I would avoid the polyurethane motor mounts, they are a hard plastic mount and will make squeaking noises and will crack sooner than the rubber ones. They are meant more for high performance applications, where they want to minimize any movement of the powertrain that may rob fractions of tiny bits of power
As for the muffler, if you hit it with your fist (when the muffler is not hot of course), do you hear loose metal banging around inside the muffler? If not it could just be a muffler hanger or hanger mount that needs replacing. Sometimes they will try to sell you a whole exhaust system when all you need is a new hanger, they look like this
![208197]()
by the way you bear an uncanny resemblance to an old artist friend of mine, this is your doppelganger
About Janet
Even if you use the Honda fluid, if the rack is leaking then you still have power steering fluid dripping on the mounts which can damage the rubber but it is a good idea to use the Honda fluid after the rack is replaced. Did they say they were replacing it with a brand new rack or a rebuilt rack?
You may be able to get a better price on a rebuilt rack, don't be shy about getting a second opinion especially from a friend or family member who is mechanically inclined. Or try another shop recommended by someone you know and trust
If you are only having to top it up a little power steering fluid over 2000 miles that doesnt sound bad to me. I have had worse leaks than that. In other cars some people have used something called Lucas Power Steering stop leak, its an additive that helps seal up leaks but it may not be compatable with the Honda power steering fluid. I will have to ask my mechanic and find out for you, I think he told me last year not to use it on Hondas but I will double check
I would avoid the polyurethane motor mounts, they are a hard plastic mount and will make squeaking noises and will crack sooner than the rubber ones. They are meant more for high performance applications, where they want to minimize any movement of the powertrain that may rob fractions of tiny bits of power
As for the muffler, if you hit it with your fist (when the muffler is not hot of course), do you hear loose metal banging around inside the muffler? If not it could just be a muffler hanger or hanger mount that needs replacing. Sometimes they will try to sell you a whole exhaust system when all you need is a new hanger, they look like this
by the way you bear an uncanny resemblance to an old artist friend of mine, this is your doppelganger
About Janet
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