emilyb

Hey, I just got my rack and pinion and my power steering pump replaced in my 2001 MDX. I seem to be loosing the power steering periodically, makes it very hard to turn left or right at slower speeds or when I'm turning after being stopped. Could it be the remanufactured pump was bad? I've heard Acuras have issues w/ after market pumps...

nats007

That or there is air getting into the system. Look into the power steering reservoir after driving for a bit and see if there are tiny bubbles in it. Do you hear any whining noise while turning?

emilyb

No bubbles and the whining is gone now that we replaced the pump and the rack.

csmeance

Did you use the honda power steering fluid?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

it shouldnt be hard to steer after a replacement rack and pinion and power steering install.

go back to who ever installed it! most shops give at least a 30 day warranty on their work

emilyb

Yep, we use Honda specific fluid. We had a friend do the work. He said if it's hard to turn both ways, it's prob a bad pump. If it's tough just one way, it's prob a bad rack.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^you can rebuild your current pump with a few dollars in honda PS(powersteering) pump gaskets.

or you can grab a "test" pump from a junk yard.

you said "aftermarket", do you happen to know the brand?

emilyb

I believe it's Cardone. Now, something is leaking. I'm assuming it's the rack��

emilyb

Also, there's now a random clunking sound from the front left wheel base.

nats007

Seems like there was an issue with installation or faulty parts based on what I've read

emilyb

Ok, so we got a new pump and he replaced it about an hour ago. I drove it for 30 min, taking as many slow turns as possible and it seems to be much better. We'll see. He said the fluid leakage looks like engine oil and not ps fluid. It's not coming from the same spot as it was before the rack was replaced. As for the clunk in the front left wheel, that is pretty pronounced now.

nats007

Click noise during turns points to axles

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

ahh, i wish i could inspect this car in person!

thoiboi

It's only a flight away
Just do it ..

emilyb

lol-I'll feed you!! ��

emilyb

So the car sounded whiny when I drove it this morn so I checked the fluid after I got to work and it was filled w/ tiny bubbles.

nats007

There is air getting into the system. Check/replace the o rings at the power steering pump. Also, I recall getting the o rings from Honda vs local part store. The local part store didn't fit correctly like the OEM and still allowed air in the system.

emilyb

We just replaced the PSP twice this last week.

nats007

I know... I guess I was not clear. Im not sure if this is an aftermarket PS or rebuilt OEM PS. What I meant is that the O-Rings should be OEM and not aftermarket.

I've bought the aftermarket O-rings from autozone and it still let air in. Only fix was to purchase PS pump o-rings from Honda/Acura.

Chandler, Aa

Hi, new to this site since I have not had issues with our TSX(first one now). 2006 tsx with 60k, and the PS pump was making a really bad moaning sound over the weekend. Since we needed the car and could not wait, I replaced the pump with a after market pump from autozone. it fixed the noise, but the steering seemed a bit hard at times during the test drive.

Well, i went out in the garage to take kids to school, and there was a fluid leak, thought, bad pipe, but no, it's from the driver side boot of the RP. Could have my after market PS pump caused the seals to go? I tried to save time and money, but maybe not meant to be. I put in the PS fluid which was made for Hondas.

Thoughts or comments on this and if anyone else has experienced the same? TY