[LA.3Six]

So I've been reading up about the power steering issues on the TSX since I'm experiencing one of them now. Whenever my engine is cold, I hear the "chewbacca" noise when I turn the wheel. The noise does go away after driving for a bit and when the engine is in operating temperature. I checked the power steering fluid level and and it on the low.

Now, I bought this Power Steering Fluid From Pepboys (Gunk) made specifically for Hondas and Acuras. I've heard our cars don't respond well to other PS fluids. Will this be okay to pour in for a fix?

I'm kind of a newbie at this and I'm turning to you guys for expert advise. I'm due for a service appointment at my dealership (Paragon Acura) within the next couple weeks.

Thanks in advance guys

 

[din9lebeRrY]

Welcome fellow NYer. I am assuming you didn't get the recall done? I would add OEM PS fluid and just take it to the dealership as scheduled (assuming its for recall). Monitor the PS fluid level in the interim.

 

[LA.3Six]

Welcome fellow NYer. I am assuming you didn't get the recall done? I would add OEM PS fluid and just take it to the dealership as scheduled (assuming its for recall). Monitor the PS fluid level in the interim.

Work on that recall was completed. I was just at the dealership for service. They recommended replacing the power steering pump (FOR $834!!!) and the fluid.

Is that price even reasonable or should I take it to a local mechanic?

 

[LA.3Six]

Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[KBH]

Those prices are grossly inflated. The air filters take just a few minutes to replace and cost about $25 at any local parts store. Brake fluid bleed is only about $20 for 2 bottles of fluid but it does take some time to do properly.

Since your original question is about the power steering, did you do any work around the pump recently? The whining noise usually means there is some air in the system. The O-rings at the PS fluid hose attachment points can fail and start to leak. Some posters have mentioned the pump failing but overall I do not think it is a common problem.

If your car is still driving well, take it to a trusty indie mechanic for a second opinion. If the PS pump indeed needs replacement, the part is about $515 from online vendors plus a few bucks for connectors and clamps, etc. The installation is pretty straightforward; the pump comes off easily after removing just two bolts and disconnecting the fluid lines.

Hope that helps

 

[LA.3Six]

I haven't done any work under the hood at all except for small screw and fastener replacements. Any mechanical issues I would always go to a mechanic.

 

[jenoizm]

Paragon acura?

 

[arjjra]

I am now having the same issue as OP. LA.3Six what was the resolution? I'm having the exact same whining sound and goes away after driving a while. Also, noticed the PS fluid is below the low line. I will go get some tomorrow from the dealer. Please let me know what you did. Thanks.

 

[miskywhisky]

I am now having the same issue as OP. LA.3Six what was the resolution? I'm having the exact same whining sound and goes away after driving a while. Also, noticed the PS fluid is below the low line. I will go get some tomorrow from the dealer. Please let me know what you did. Thanks.

Check the boots on the steering rack, one is likely leaking and full of fluid. There is a service bulletin on it as the seals in the rack suck. Most dealers will replace the rack completely to the tune of $1600 US. But acura split the cost with me out of warranty.

 

[arjjra]

Check the boots on the steering rack, one is likely leaking and full of fluid. There is a service bulletin on it as the seals in the rack suck. Most dealers will replace the rack completely to the tune of $1600 US. But acura split the cost with me out of warranty.

You're right. I got the power steering recall done 3 months ago.. I had to drive to the states buffalo. I must say the customer service is much better than up here. I just went today to my mechanic to do winter changeover and told him about the issue he checked underneath the car and said the whole rack leaking and its gonna cost $600 for a used part. He suggest just keep refilling PS fluid. The recall I noticed they changed the tube that goes over the engine, the old one was rubber I think nee one is covered with something silver.

WOw $1600 is a lot I have 96k miles on her now.

 

[miskywhisky]

I think a new one was just about $800 from acura. The also sell a seal kit that will replace all the seals if he's good enough to rebuild it. The seal kits only $80. Eventually the seal will blow out and you'll have no power steering. And this thing is a BITCH to turn at low speed without it. I've had non ps cars before but this was way worse once it blew out.

 

[one_slow_tsx]

My wife's 04 tsx just broke down with this problem. Notice noise from ps around 1 month ago. Ignored it and now ps pump is no good. It blew because fluid was low in the system. Looked up for more information. Checked the dust boot on the rack and it was leaking. I order a new one from car quest for $350 and new pump from Napa for $150. Both have 1 year warranty. It will be completed by this weekend as the ps pump is being shipped to me. Dealership wants $1500 for parts only. They aint getting another penny from me. Taking my time it took total 3 hours to take out. If you can change over an engine you can replace the rack.
Just need basic tools to replace it. Flush, refill and bleed the system with Honda fluid