91 Honda Making a groaning sound

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by utahgolfer, Dec 10, 2008.

  1. utahgolfer

    utahgolfer Guest

    Hi,

    My 91 honda just came out of the shop. now when i turn it makes a
    slight moaning sound. PS fluid is full. Could it still be the PS
    pump? Or might it be something else?

    Regards Steve
     
    utahgolfer, Dec 10, 2008
    #1
  2. My first (educated) guess is one or more worn ball joints.
     
    Eternal Searcher, Dec 10, 2008
    #2
  3. Sounds like the power steering pump - it's common enough.

    My daughter's behaved the same way for a while. It got bad enough that I
    eventually replaced the pump... problem solved. If you remove the belt from
    the pump you should be able to turn the pump CCW with your thumb and
    fingertip on the bolt head that holds the pulley on (it won't be easy to
    turn, but if you are really struggling it is a bad sign), and turning the
    pulley with your fingertips (for a sensitive feel) should be silky smooth
    with slight drag. Hers would not turn by less than wrapping my finger around
    the bolt head, and on the edge of the pulley it was not really "graunchy"
    but had a lot of friction.

    Be prepared for a high price on the pump; my daughter's lists at about
    $650. If you want to replace the pump yourself or with the help of a friend,
    you can look in wrecking yards. Car-part.com has lots of listings for the
    pump I needed for $100-$220. I got the pump for $20 from a pull-it-yourself
    yard - although there are two hurdles to that. There are several styles of
    Honda pumps depending on car model and year; you have to know what type of
    belt it takes (ribbed or V belt), and how the hose attachments are
    configured (does one pipe come out the back or the rear side, etc.) and what
    the mount looks like. It helps to have a few good digital pictures. Also,
    most of the pumps were already taken - a testament to the frequency of the
    problem. Replacement was easy enough but a bit messy. Be prepared to deal
    with fluid leakage from all ports with plenty of clean shop towels... paper
    shop towels work great. Leave the outlet fitting (the one with the O-ring)
    loose to bleed it and fasten it down. As a DIY job it is on a par with
    replacing brake pads and then bleeding brakes. There were no really hard
    parts of the job and the access was good. It took a bit over an hour... I
    work very slowly. Basic tools are all that are required.

    Mike
     
    Michael Pardee, Dec 11, 2008
    #3
  4. utahgolfer

    Dave D Guest

    Steve - it could be air in the system. Try the old turn "lock-to-lock" each
    way several times and then check the fluid level again. Sometimes, if the PS
    system is opened, air gets trapped and must be forced out... Just a thought.

    DaveD
     
    Dave D, Dec 11, 2008
    #4
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