Of course, a hydraulic system like power steering can develop leaks through a multitude of rubber hoses, gaskets, seals, and O-rings. Several of my aftermarket power steering pumps started leaking after just a year of use, until I gave in and bought a genuine one. I've also seen leaks through O-rings on the pump's inlet and outlet fittings, as well as a leak in the high-pressure hose. Some owners have also experienced leaks in the power steering rack.

 

My old 06 TSX and 08 RDX have similar P/S systems and both developed PS leaks +100,00 miles. I ended up replacing the P/S pump on my RDX because of leaks at +140,000 miles. Replaces the P/S pump and a few years later the P/S rack on my TSX starting around the same 140k mileage. I didn't change the P/S fluid on the TSX/RDX until the 105k service. I did a preventative measure and changed my P/S fluid early on my 11 MDX at around 75,000 miles and noticed improved steering feel with fresh fluid. The MDX P/S was dark like cheap pancake syrup, probably very thin, and thin/water logged fluid can leak easier. I also started doing the "turkey baster" exchange every 2 year after that to keep the fluid close to honey colored. Far as I can tell, there isn't a mandatory P/S fluid change interval in the owner's manual? Zero P/S system leaks (pump, rack, hoses) with my 11 MDX when I sold at +154,000 miles back in 2023.

 

I think you need more clear information from your mechanics. the first who 'detected' the leak, did he actually inspect the PS pump and observed oil residue or tell you where he observed it because it seems vague as if he noticed stiff steering and simply diagnose it as a potential PS leak. The second mechanic, same thing, did he inspect and said 'there's no oil residue' near the PS pump or lines? or did he simply turn the wheel and said it feels normal?

It's a very common problem with the earlier 2nd gen MDX and a simply inspection should confirm if there's leaks or not. Often, simple o-rings replacement solves the leak but it's not clear from your post whether there's an actual leak or not.

 

Often, simple o-rings replacement solves the leak but it's not clear from your post whether there's an actual leak or not.

Except for the high-pressure hose. About 1/3 of its length shows signs of heat wear from the exhaust manifold, cracking in several places, and then starting to leak oil.

 

2011 MDX- has anybone been told power steering fluid leaks?

Yes.

 

Power steering leaks can happen at any time and are not just isolated to the power steering pump that we are are familiar with.The power steering pump is something we can easily see and check and replace O'rings on. It is what we do not see that gets overlooked untill the leak becomes a real problem. Hoses deteriorate and crack. hose fittings crack and Seals break down overtime and need replacing. Always check your steering racks for leakage at the pressure fittings and the rubber boots for leaking fluid. If it is the hoses attaching to the steering rack check the o'ring seals on the lines where they attach to the steering rack. Check if the rubber boots are damaged and have oil leaking from them?(these offten get dammaged during winter driving as we try to break through the snow plow ice dams surrounding our cars in the morning. If so it is more than likely the seals in it are failing and require a replacement or rebuild kit. Keep in mind that these these parts suffer from road salt and ice that we drive over in winter that can rip the rubber boots that protect the sensitive seals from damage.So if a mechanic says you have a power steering leak we automatically assume it is the power steering pump but in actual fact it could be any number or combination of parts associated with the System. It is therefore essential to ask what part is at fault in the "system they are speaking of and leaking? Having this information will allow you to confirm this for yourself, but inspecting the whole power steering System is something we all need to check and takes only a few minutes to determine if you may have a leak and where it is. Some cars have oil coolers or external filters connected by hoses and clamps,check these areas and tighten if necessary.