So my car when starting up after a while of not driving (engine cooled down?) and I turn the wheel I hear a semi-screeching sound. I took to mechanics and they think it is the Power pump and the reservoir problem. They gave me a price tag of ~1k which includes those 2 and a power flush.
My car is ~180K miles 2003 TL S. I recently had tires and brakes done. I quickly checked KBB and it's resell maybe 3kish. I don't know if I should just drive it till it dies or fix it... please advice!!!

 

I wouldn't put 1K into a TL with 180k miles but that's just me

 

well yeah, because to fix the problem doesnt cost 1000 dollars.

if the car was paid off and needed 1k in repairs...that would be a no brainer to keep the car and put the 1k into it. (still less than a new car payment, WAAAAAAAAAAY less.)


but a power steering pump rebuild cost less than $100

 

Are you able to do any of the labor yourself? I don't believe it is all that difficult to do.

Do you have room and tools? I wouldn't pay 1k... But I would likely fix it. What else would you buy instead?

 

he broke it down:
reservoir + inspection cost = 174
power pump replacement = 678
power flush = 140


he also said there is drive lower ball joint slightly crooked(?) he says if I hit a pothole hard enough the wheel might come off... that is 250...


The car has been paid off ages ago...
He did say I would fail inspection if I did it today (I did it couple months ago). I need to reply to him in 40 mins so here are my thoughts:
1. fix it and keep fixing future problems...
2. drive it till it breaks/reaches next inspection point which if I fail then get new car (or even before)
3. fix the balljoint and do 2...




There is another problem I notice is sometimes when engine gets hot I think the odometer goes to 2-3k rpm even when parked.. I had similar problem with my Honda accord when it was high mileage and in hot weather...
Thoughts? thanks!

 

I don't know how to do anything... I might call for quotes maybe...

 

My man... It is time you start buying tools and trying some of this stuff! It'll save you mucho dinero in the long run.

For the time being, I would call around and get some other quotes. You got nothing to lose.

 

Sounds like you might be better off buying a newer car with warranty. That way you don't have to worry about maintenance. I'd hate to drive a car that has to go through inspections every so often and not being sure whether it will pass or not. It also gives a shop an opportunity to gouge your pocket book.

 

not needed, as you can do this yourself. look at reservoir, is it holding fluid? if yes, it's okay and doesnt need to be changed.
power pump does not need to be replaced, the o-ring's inside needs to be replaced.
3 or 4 o-rings at like 5-10 dollars each.
it needs to be drained and filled, not flushed. to perform this, all you need is abottle or two of Honda power steering fluid... at like 10-15 dollars per bottle.

he's lying and scaring you.

 

so called another shop and he agrees with all of yall that the 1k tag is insane. he also mentioned the reservoir shouldn't cost that much. He did give me a 600 quote IF he does everything on that and says it could come down if certain things aren't needed like the reservoir which he can bring down a 100 or so...


if it is 500 tag then I think it is easier to swallow...

 

^ sounds better and about right...way to do some research.

 

reservoir doesnt need to be changed!!! it's usually the hose that leaks...

and if your shit aint leaking, no need to change reservoir or hose. Inspect it!!!
you'll be able to tell if its leaking

 

ok so the 2nd guy took a look and he agrees with the required fixes minus the left socket (he did see the difference but minor). The reservoir does need to be replaced - basically somehow it got out of its holder and its bottom was rubbing against the belt and he showed me the wetness around that area. He said it is not leaking per se but it will need to be replaced because it is very apparent that the bottom is scraped... he suspects whomever did that didn't put it back in place or I hit a major pothole (I did hit one a bit back) and I might've had it pop out of position... Maybe the people who did oil change forgot? he doesn't suspect the dealer is the one who did it BUT he did say it was irresponsible for them to just leave the reservoir ON the belt/its wrong place without putting it back... so its gonna be 650 or so to fix it all.. + 100 from the initial inspection from the acura shop...

 

the belt rubbing on the reservoir is pretty common.
has happened to some of us who forget to put it back on to the mount.

sounds like you found a better mechanic!!

 

if your first stop was an acura dealer its not surprising they want to replace everything
While the 2nd place looked and determined whats going on
The first shop cant legally move anything around- remount part on your car without your authorization and more money
Diagnostic fee covers visual and running code scanner for 1.5 hour charge, even if they spend 15 minutes~ doe NOT include fixing a single thing!

 

the big decider on TL is transmission operation, no signs of slipping when hard
on the gas in 2nd into 3rd, like getting on the freeway with a semi-truck coming fast!
Oil analysis by blackstone labs will tell if all is well in the trans, or its coming apart by the mile

AND did you have the 105 service??- the timing belt and water pump job done, $$$$
you also need a valve adjustment, egr cleaning inside the intake manifold and some new spark plugs, that adds up in a hurry if you cant DIY
Ask the shop you like for an estimate
Much as we love our TL there is an economic limit

 

so I had the repair done. There is something interesting after I drove it in local for a bit. While I was trying to park it seemed it was very hard for me the turn the wheels almost feels like there's a lot of resistance to even make a small turn.... but I didn't really experience that later when I drove similar distance though.... I think the odometer was maybe 2k rpm or so the first instance...

 

The reservoir lists for around $23. Online price $16 at Delray Acura. If a new reservoir holder is needed, add $20 more. The labor to drain fluid, replace reservoir, refill fluid, and check for leaks should not be more than one hour. The noise may be from low fluid or a worn/loose belt. Replacing the belt requires removal of the right side motor mount. Figure another hour labor and $15 for the belt. As others have stated, it's unlikely that the power steering pump needs replacement.

 

that's your power steering at work or lack of work.
rebuild pump with 3 or 4 new o-rings.

 

dude....shaselai.....for realz...just listen to Justnspace and quit dicking around....he has told you like 5 times about the o rings in the pump.....and it's called a power steering pump, never heard of it called a power pump.....but whatever...google and youtube are your friend....a power steering pump is not hard to take off....take apart and replace some o' rings do some researsh and take control of your car and wallet! you walk into a repair shop and they are gonna rape you like an ape...