Hey guys. So this weekend i was going to get the o-ring (the one connecting directly to the pump) replaced on my 2000 tl. I had major clearance issues trying to get a small wrench in for the 10mm bolt. I removed the power steering hose. turns out this I did all this work for nothing since this bolt is damn near impossible to reach without taking out the entire pump. So i gave up and reconnected everything properly. As expected, air got in the system. Now, i have lost count of how many times i've turned the wheels right and left to try and get the air out. I've done as suggested.

1, turn on.
2. turn wheel left-right a few times.
3. wait for air bubbles to clear
4. refill
5. repeat until noise is gone.

To summarize. PS pump was ok before the hose was removed. Started making noise after. Failed attempts to clear the system of air.

 

It's not hard to remove the entire pump, let alone replace a o-ring. I made a DIY video. It's somewhere around here.

Once you've fully sealed the pump, then bleed the system. Tom has described the process many many many times, and I'm sure he'll do it again. He will always include the part about using cardboard to reduce friction.

Just search around.

 

did see your thread on replacing the pump, though i had no luck finding that post. But difficulty wasn't the issue. I wanted to try and do it without removing the pump. Again there was no way i could get in there. Now i know the pump has to come off if i want to work comfortably. Acura addressed that issue with the 3g tl it had a remodeled design were the inlet is angled upwards to allow access to that bolt.

I also wanted to add that the fluid has not gone down which means the air isn't being pump thoroughly or not at all

 

Not to sound rude but half assing it so that you dont have to do more work usually causes more work. Id just take the pump off and replace what is needed. It takes all of 15 min to remove it.

 

I figured that much after taking it apart. I guess what i wanted to ask is is there any other means of effectively bleeding the system other than the method i've tried. The problem has gone from changing the o-ring to clearing the air until. this is my main concern until i'm able work on it.

 

If the o ring was the problem, or is now a problem because it was disturbed, you'll have a hell of a time getting the air out.

 

I couldn't manage to even touch it but it wasn't too bad i was only replacing it because i saw old PS fluid collecting near the inlet and the occasional cold start noise. talk about a snowball effect.

 

it should bleed the air out after a few turns lock to lock. If it doesnt or the noise persists then i would say its getting a constant supply of air or something else is wrong. Did you take the belt off and over tighten it?

 

nope didn't do that. either way i just got the bad news that the pump is dead. probably a long time coming. i always heard a subtle whirring sound from time to time with occasional hard steering probably was that damn o-ring letting air in.

 

ck aftermarket parts stores and online stores for decent price,,still not cheap but...

 

No dude, there's a better way. Stalk eBay for a used OEM pump from a salvage car. I got my pump for $60 and it came with a lifetime warranty! So even if it breaks years later, I will be able to get another for free.

 

The salvage yard will also usually tell you the mileage from the vehicle. Try to get one from a car with less than 105k. If the belts have not been changed, then it's less likely that the pump will have been overtightened.

 

very good suggestions K7..you are ready to assume command while I vacation

Im usually the one suggesting ck auto recycler (formerly junkyards) for a number of parts.
Call your local one- if they dont have it, there is a network across the country and part may be cheaper than ebay--you dont know till you ask!

When replacing the pump I would do a few full ps system fluid flushes so old grit is removed from the rack and anything that came with pump is removed
Use new orings and apply new fluid to them before install