If you have maybe, 1% mechanical skill

[rsutoratosu]

and own 0 tools. Would you attempt this procedure by yourself ?
http://autodiyonline.com/acura-diys/acura-tl-diys/acura-tl-2004-2008-power-steering-whine-fine-diy/

Background - coworker brings his TL to dealer due to some sound off his TL, i guess its this whinning sound.

Dealer wants 400 including parts to replace the pump. He wanted to order the parts and have a local mechanics put it in. He google around acurazine and found the article to replace a 5 cent o ring

His email to me

"5 cents to fix it? Just the o’ring replaced. I don’t know why the dealer asked me to change the whole PS pump, the pump is not leaking. "

Dealership do not perform 5 cent fixes. They usually replace the whole thing. Anyway, if you never touch the car besides driving it and don't know how to do an oil change, would you recommend an o-ring replacement ?

PS. This is the same guy that thinks my convertible would be flooded if it rain with the top on and also that when they say you have 4 gears in a transmission, it's P R N D.

 

[jagec]

Wow, that's a pretty easy repair.

But if someone has zero tools and almost zero mechanical skill, it's probably a better deal for them to buy their Mechanically Inclined Friend a 6-pack of beer and tell them to go to town.

 

[Occ]

Well, if he can be bothered to buy a 10mm wrench, I don't see why not. Your post doesn't really make it clear if he wants to do it himself or not.

 

[santuitman]

nope don't get involved... unless you want to do it for him/with him then charge a tiny bit or have him get your coffees for the week. If you work on cars you know about fluid on belts, stripped bolts, hot exhaust, lube o rings before install etc. If you tell him he can do it and then he can't he'll come to you for help anyways.

 

[Jimzz]

Has he even verfied that is the problem? Its a easy cheap thing to try first but may not be the problem.

Also has he ever topped off the steering fluid? Could have used the wrong type, honda has their own.

 

[phucheneh]

Why is an o-ring making the pump whine? P/S pumps whine because of bad bearings.

'Air is entering the pump'? Through the return hose to the reservoir?

 

[sontakke]

It is a very common problem on Honda/Acura power steering pump. It usually shows up after a mechanic moves it away to do some work in the nearby area. Usually the noise starts afterwards.

Why can't he find a good independent mechanic to do it for him? You can provide the printed instructions and then have your friend take it to the mechanic.

If your friend is not willing to do that, I think he needs to pay $400 to the dealer to get the pump replaced.

 

[Jimzz]

Why is an o-ring making the pump whine? P/S pumps whine because of bad bearings.

'Air is entering the pump'? Through the return hose to the reservoir?

Yea anyplace for air to get in will in a PS system it seems.

Some Audi/VW's, and otthers, have a issue with the crimp clamps they use on them not sealing well enough. I had to take all the factory clamps off one car and install aftermarket screw clamps to fix a air issue before.

 

[phucheneh]

Yea anyplace for air to get in will in a PS system it seems.

Some Audi/VW's, and otthers, have a issue with the crimp clamps they use on them not sealing well enough. I had to take all the factory clamps off one car and install aftermarket screw clamps to fix a air issue before.

Just seems odd. You would think if it was indeed possible for air to get in (rather than just have fluid leak out), it would simply go the reservoir, bubble to the top, and be resolved.

If that really is a viable repair, though...I don't see why the OP couldn't do it.

I mean, unbolting that tube and swapping the that o-ring out is pretty damn simple. Yeah, he could crack the plastic elbow removing it, or damage the o-ring installing it...but someone with the slightest common sense should be able to avoid those things.

In general, that's on of the easiest PS pumps in the world to replace. Two bolts. Probably accessible with basic wrenches (but IIRC I use a wobble socket and extension on both bolts). The lines are easy to remove.

Hell, the hardest thing for a novice is probably just getting the belt routed. And as long as you're patient and make sure you get it on there right, it's hard to screw that up.

But yeah, anyhow: compared to that (super easy) P/S pump replacement, that o-ring swap is still even further 'super easy.'

 

[rsutoratosu]

I wont offer because once i touch it, and something else breaks, he'll probably sue me. No way in hell am i touching that car. no good deed goes unpunished

he is going to attempt it, ill see what he says after.. if it works or not.. prob over xmas vacation

BTW this is the same guy that emails me every 2 days for whats my email password, whats my login, you type this in every day and yet you forget

 

[rsutoratosu]

OMG I just realized what he was asking me today.

he ask me where my dealer is, we both use rallye but his is rallye acura, mine is rallye bmw

My car was hit 2 days ago and its going to the dealer for repair, he wants me to give him a ride to his dealer. sneaky bastards... my dealer is 30 miles out, 10 miles further, except my car is going on a flat bed, im not driving it there

 

[Zorba]

The PS o-ring thing is a legit problem/fix. A friend of mine had this problem in his TL, the dealer fixed it for free when he paid for an oil change.

 

[rsutoratosu]

This is what could happen on a DIY, and this is a repair from a dealer

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/acura-tl-type-s-fire-1271967/

flame on