I dropped my 2006 TL off at the dealership today for a couple of issues. In the process of diagnosing those, they noticed the power steering fluid reservoir was low. They are telling me the power steering pump has a slow leak and needs replacement (not immediately, but soon).

The car has 106K miles on it. I see a lot of posts here that mention replacing the o-rings and seals. How would I know if the entire pump is bad or just needs to be rebuilt?

Thanks in advance.

 

First question: Has the PS safety recall been done on your car? If so, was it done by that dealer?

During the recall, the dealers are supposed to replace the O-ring (among other items), but several members have got their car back without the dealer replacing the O-ring. That could have happened.

Really doubt the pump is bad. If the recall has been done, then I'd start by just refilling the fluid to normal level and keeping an eye on it. The O-ring is less than $2 and is easy to replace. Look for Majofo's DIY on fixing power steering whine.

 

Yes, I forgot to mention they did the safety recall a while back. Can't remember when it was done.

 

Then my guess is that they didn't replace the O-ring like they were supposed to do. I'd question them about that or you can check yourself. IIRC, the old O-ring was black and the new, improved O-ring is orange. If you pull the inlet pipe and the O-ring is black, then they didn't replace it. You can use this DIY to check the O-ring:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/diy-105-power-steering-whine-fix-754586/

 

 

http://www.realfixesrealfast.com/rea...ura_Honda.html

 

Great info, especially the video. Thanks much!

 

I just started having the whine over the past few days. It's *loud*, especially in the AM. Checked the reservoir, and sure enough, it was bubble central. I just ordered the O-ring today, and will be swapping that, and the fluid, hopefully next week.

Thanks for the info, guys!

 

did mine, turned so easily after that

 

Not to cloud the issue too much, but when I purchased the O-ring from Acura last month, it was black. So it's possible the dealers have been switching the rings...but it's also possible the orange ring is a better fit than the black ring.

 

Acura and Honda parts are date marked. I have purchased parts for my 2009 RDX that were 10 years old. How can that be, since the RDX was introducted (1st model) in 2007?? Easy - some Acura parts are simply Honda parts.

Not saying for certain, but your 'new' black O-ring might be ONS (old new stock).

Here is how you read Honda part code dates:
Posted: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775691@ 12 Jun 2012 – UPDATE 1, post #2

 

I bout my TL and on the first cold start about a week later it made a grinding noise under the hood and would make a whine noise when turning the steering wheel. Would all go away once car warmed up.

Looked online and found the O-Ring is a likely problem source. Got it replaced for free where i bought the car and problem all gone.

 

Just another note guys, I have already had the safety recall work done on the power steering hose, etc. I have also replaced the black o-ring with the newer orange one at about 100k miles. I now have 182k miles and it is starting to whine in the mornings again, and I have bubbles in the reservoir. So, that being said, I don't think it really matters what color the o-ring is, just replace it! I will be replacing the o-ring again this weekend and topping off the fluid.

 

There are also inner pump seals that you can replace by removing the pump. Nice DIY here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/diy-105-power-steering-pump-overhaul-pics-sm-scans-841134/