2000 Honda Accord power steering

ACIRFA1

MEMBER
2000 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
137,149 MILES

I recently had my tension pulley and my alternator belt replaced. When I got my car back I drove off and when I turned the wheel it makes a loud rubbing noise!
Also when I checked the power steering resevoir it was bubbling out through the cap while the car was running like it was over heating. The mechanic said that I have air in my power steering line and I need to drive the car for a couple of days to get the air out. He also told me I also have a small leak in the power steering rack that may also be contributing to the air in the line. I have never had problems with the power steering before I brought my car to this shop. I want to know how air can get in your power steering line, how can it be fixed, and am I getting ripped off, or what really is wrong with my car?
Oh and before this place, I had gotten my alignment done. They said I had a p/s power leaking and rack leaking.
Please help Thank You!

final fix was tension pulley and alternator belt

I took my car to the shop to get the alternator fix and ask them to check my power steering cuz another place says we have p/s leaking and rack leaking and Ive never seen any leak coming out of the car in our drive way. My steering never made the noise when I dropped it off. So when I got it back that's when my car was making loud noise turning right and left turn and humming noise. He says theirs air in the power steering and it should go away as I drive it more. Is that true? Oh and if they say I have p/s pump leaking is that mean I need to replace the whole power steering or is it just hose? Please help!

2 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -.

Well, if you have never seen a leak and the PS was doing fine, then I must agree, that sounds odd.

You can look at your PS pump, hoses and rack yourself and see if there is a leak. Me I would wash it off really well (don't get degreaser in the pulley) the pump, hoses and rack and then just keep an eye on it while you drive off and on.

Initially after the wash you can check for leaks. To check for leaks. Wipe the fluid-soaked area( s) with a clean rag or as I said above, wash it first. Then have another person start and idle the engine. While watching for leaks, have the steering wheel turned to the right and left slowly but steadily. This action will pressurize all components of the system that might be leaking.

Now you an drive it and the air will eventually get out but it may be noisy etc. The best way to get the air out to bleed out any air, start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully from side to side. Keep checking the fluid and add as needed. This will force the air into the reservoir and out of the system.

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Friday, March 13th, 2009 AT 9:01 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Hello Again,

I went through about 200 Technical Service bulletins on your car and there is one on the power steering and leaking. I have attached it for your review.

POWER STEERING FLUID FOAMS AT RESERVOIR
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): HSN 0201-03, Date of Issue: February 2001
HONDA: All models with power steering
CATEGORY: Honda Service News
APPLIES TO: All models with power steering
Related Ref Number(s): HSN 0201-03
ARTICLE BEGINNING
SERVICE INFORMATION
On all Hondas with power steering, a pin hole leak between the reservoir and the suction (inlet) side of the pump can cause the power steering fluid in the reservoir to foam and overflow. When air is sucked into the system, it mixes with the fluid and causes it to foam. This foaming can also cause the pump to growl. Pin hole leaks are hard to diagnose because they let air in but they don't leak fluid out. So, if you suspect a pin hole leak, try this:
1. Start the engine, and let it warm up to operating temperature.
2. Adapt a hand pump to fit into the reservoir opening. (If you're using a Mighty-Vac pump, it comes with adapters to do this.)
3. With the engine idling, connect the hand pump to the reservoir, and pressurize the reservoir to a maximum of 8 psi.
4. Look for a leak in the suction (inlet) hose or at the pump seal. Repair the power steering system as needed.

I would still suggest to do as I said and then watch for leaks or fluid from the cap then do the above.

Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you. I would definitely check all of these out but the ones that concern me are the air bag, seat belt and suspension.