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Old 14th May 2009, 14:33   #1
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Honda city vtec ailments Query

Hi,

I own a 2002 OHC vtec thats done close to a lakh km now. The car is doing fine but off late has been showing two problems.

1) A kat kat sound from the front right wheel side when u give sharp steering inputs.

2) Power steering has an oil leak that can be seen all over the front part of the underbody.

Took the car to the Honda service and got it checked and these were the findings and the solutions.

ans 1) The right axle ball joint is gone kaput, but honda does not replace only this part, instead the whole right axle has to be replaced. cost is 8000 plus. He gave me the option of buying this part from outside (locally) and said honda would fit it for me with just the labour charges.

ans 2) They cant do anything about the steering oil leakage as they dont have an oil seal. so the company strategy is to replace the whole steering unit. Cost involved is 14600 or so.

Two questions come to mind.

1) Is it ok to buy a local ball joint thing and give it to the dealer or replace the right axle like he said?

2) What if I keep driving with the power steering oil leak? Is this advisable until it fails or would it just fail one day as i am taking a hard left or something and result in a potentially fatal accident basically meaning that i should tend to it asap.

Last edited by Jaggu : 14th May 2009 at 14:42. Reason: Please post in relevant sub forum. Thanks
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Old 14th May 2009, 14:45   #2
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1) Ideally replace the whole axle, also check the other side rubber boot, once that gives away the axle will fail. I have tried replacing axle joints and bearings but with mixed outcomes.

2) Consult a good independent garage and see if they can help you. If the leak is minor, you can drive around with topping up the fluid and having a good watch on fluid level.

Dealers will generally do replacement jobs, especially the Honda guys.
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Old 14th May 2009, 15:36   #3
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You could try and source the parts from Singapore/other country where the City was manufactured.

The local ones would probably be worthless. Usually they would be re-conditioned parts and wont work for long.
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Old 14th May 2009, 15:43   #4
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My suggestions are alongside your questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by megazoid View Post
Hi,

1) Is it ok to buy a local ball joint thing and give it to the dealer or replace the right axle like he said? If you can get a FB GOLD wheeljoint(balljoint),that would be a cost effective solution

2) What if I keep driving with the power steering oil leak? If Rs.14000 would solve the problem with a genuine unit ,go for it.
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Old 14th May 2009, 15:46   #5
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Its quite surprising the A.S.S. offered to fit in a part purchased from outside.Never heard of any A.S.S. do such a thing

By the way, there is already a thread on OHC/OHC VTEC technical issues. this needs to go there
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Old 14th May 2009, 17:17   #6
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In the middle of explaining the problems, I forgot to mention the all important one that led to all this. When the car hits 120 kmph, there is a vibration from the steeirng and seats. These vibrations are non existent at less than 120 kmph but the moment i hit 120, it starts. Trying to figure out what was wrong led to the discovery of all the problems I listed out earlier. Now, maybe a wheel balancing is also due or is it just the axle balljoint?
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Old 14th May 2009, 20:16   #7
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Quote:
2) Power steering has an oil leak that can be seen all over the front part of the underbody.
Had the same prob, leaked for a while and then stopped. Haven't had any issues for the past 20K kms or so.

Shan2nu
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Old 14th May 2009, 22:54   #8
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normally changing the Constant velocity bearing (not ball joint) of driveshaft is a straight no. Its just a workaround. So changing the whole shaft is recomended. Try sourcing the GKN, i am not sure if they make for hondas.

Do the PS job somewhere outside, a reputed local name in your area. They might match the oil seal with the one that is already available.

PS: both are critical parts, so needs attention urgent.

PS to all: When you open the bonnet please also check rubber boot and parts apart from usual Oils and coolant, these are cheaper to replace, but when left un attended will result in relacement of critical parts.
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Old 15th May 2009, 13:06   #9
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Megazoid,

Firstly, it is best to use an after-market specialist for such an old car. Way cheaper. Key is to find the right person.

Quote:
They cant do anything about the steering oil leakage as they dont have an oil seal. so the company strategy is to replace the whole steering unit. Cost involved is 14600 or so.
Known issue with the OHC. Get it repaired just as I did for a fraction of the cost : Related post with a detailed explanation.

Quote:
Originally Posted by megazoid View Post
When the car hits 120 kmph, there is a vibration from the steeirng and seats. These vibrations are non existent at less than 120 kmph but the moment i hit 120, it starts.
Check the conditions of your brake pads + discs (if it vibrates only when braking) and get the alignment + balancing done.
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Old 15th May 2009, 13:58   #10
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thanks for the suggestions. Will now take a decision and get it rectified asap.
Had a bad feeling that the car was not in prim and proper shape. Just that the expense involved made me lift off. thanks once again.
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Old 30th October 2010, 00:30   #11
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guys, I own an OHC and have a similar problem of power steering oil leak.. i checked with Magnum Honda on Kanakpura Road in Bangalore, they are quoting about 40k for the replacing the steering rack which is out of my budget... I give my car for servicing in Bosch and when I checked with them they said replacin it with a repaired one is the only option.. I need to know if any good mechanic/workshop can be referred in Bangalore to solve this issue.. Its quite urgent as the leak and the noise is too much nowadays...

Also, I would like to know if I could get any other OHC power steering rack for a lesser price or somebody who can repair the old one for me..

Waiting for your replies.

Thanks
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Old 29th December 2010, 12:46   #12
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Re: Honda city vtec ailments Query

Daya, i'm having the same issue with my OHC 1.5, and was given the same quote by Arya Honda.

Any suggestions ?
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Old 29th December 2010, 14:08   #13
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Re: Honda city vtec ailments Query

You might want to read this thread..
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...g-problem.html
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