I went to a used car dealership and financed a 2004 RL 3.5 in July 2013 (160 k). My warranty = powertrain only up to the first 20 k or 1st year. Last month I started hearing a hi low "moaning" sound while driving; it continues when idling. I brought it to a local Acura dealership for diagnostic. The serviceman took it for a test drive and said I need a power steering pump ($975). Is this a fix that will add worth and longevity to the car? What are my most realistic options to fix this problem? Can I buy a power steering pump online and find a tech to install it at a cheaper price than what the Acura dealer quoted to me? Or is this too complex of a job to go outside of an authorized Acura dealership for service? It's too late to turn back now, I'm living and learning, this is my 1st Acura experience and I will reserve judgment about the place where I bought the car. I'm thankful for acurazine.com and I've been a proud member of the Acura community up to this point. I appreciate any informative feedback.

 

If worse comes to worse and you dont take care of it fast enough it goes out completely and youll be without power steering which is livable but not advisable. Dont go to the dealer, my Acura dealer bullshits me with service costs too, they tried to charge me 2000$ to replace the amp for my stereo in my '00 and quoted me 3 days labor. I did it in 30 minutes with a 65$ part pulled from a donor car. The part isnt cheap from an oem supplier (http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...UMP&pp=0&np=25). Itd come out to about 565$ just for the part. The other option is to get either a non OEM part, or go pull one/buy one thats been pulled and tested from a wrecked or otherwise dead donor car. Whether you want to do it yourself or take it to another auto shop is totally up to you, It is doable with the right knowledge and tools