I own a 2004 Acura TL with 55,000+ miles. A few days ago I noticed a loud whinning noise coming from under my hood. It sounding like someone revving their motorcycle. Each time I would accerlerate or turn my wheel the noise would emit from under the hood. Now I'm thinking to myself, could it be the steering pump that was replaced with the recall notice?

Today I left Fountain Acura with shock. The service advisor had my car checked out and they claim its the steering pump rack that has leakage. They recommend me get it replaced or the issue would worsen. She quoted with price of unit, labor, wheel alignment, and taxes total came to $1,308.xx. My bottom jaw hit the floor when she quoted me the charge. This is not chump change so I didn't want to say, "ok do it." without first price checking elsewhere.

The noise I heard is gone. She claims it would return if I dont get it replaced. She advised me to make sure my power steering fluid is filled up in case it gets too low.

I went to MIDAS and they quoted me $1,006 which includes everything like Acura quoted me but $300 bucks less. A little bit better but geesh. I asked the mechanic how could the noise just go away. He says if its a leak the noise would continue. He told me to wait until the noise happens again before bringing it in. I took his advice, because I dont have a thousand bucks laying around and I do not want to use my credit card if I don't have to.

What should I do?

Advice is greatly appreciated

 

Do you see a leak? If it's leaking enough to make it low enough to make the pump whine, you're probably going to see it on the ground. How long ago was the recall done? Maybe they left it low or possibly put something other than Honda power steering fluid which has happened before at dealerships. I would top it off and check the level daily to see if there's an actual problem first.

 

Not for nothing the piece of mind of having OEM parts installed by a dealer is worth 300 bucks in this case.