Labor cost for a Honda Accord Power Steering Pump

I took my car to the shop because it was making a terrible whining sound when
I turn the steering wheel when it first cranks up, especially in cold weather.
I was told that I need a new Power Steering Pump, and they quoted me a total
price of about $495.00. They explained that the part is only about 1/4 of
the cost, the rest is labor. I've found a part online for a total of about
$85.00. How much should the labor be? Is my shop trying to rip me off? I
have a 2003 Honda Accord (4-door sedan, 6-cyl).

Thanks in advance!

 

Well, they are charging you about 50% more for the part (1/4 of $500 is
$125) than you can get elsewhere. It is probably about $100 per hour for
labor, with bleeding the system after the pump is changed, that's around
3 or 4 hours, which doesn't seem unreasonable.

You should also check with local shops and see what they want for the
job. Changing a power steering pump isn't rocket physics. There's no
need for a dealer to the work. In fact, I would get a second opinion
from them to make sure it is a power steering pump problem before
getting the work done.

Have you checked to make sure there is enough fluid in the system?

Jeff

 

Thanks so much for that quick response, Jeff!

If I'm understanding you correctly, in the event I do have to have a
new power steering pump: Even if order the $85 part I found online,
it's still going to cost me betw $400-$500 to have the job done due to
labor.

I'm planning to take the car to my regular mechanic this week for a
second opinion as to whether I really need a new pump. My earlier
estimate was from a shop that I had never been to before, but who
was close to where I work. Convenience is probably never a good
reason to try out a new shop, I know...... Anyway, I want to do a little
homework before I really get serious about scheduling the job, just so I
can make sure I don't get ripped off, even by my regular mechanic.

That just seems like an awful lot of money to shell out, especially when
I feel like the car functions perfectly fine, other than the loud howling
it makes for a while after you start it up, after it has sat for several
hours in the cold. So I haven't even really made up my mind whether it's
worth it.

What's the worst that can happen if the pump goes out entirely?
Is my life in danger, or will I just have to tug a lot harder at the steering

wheel?

Thanks again for your help.

 

------------------------------

You need to tell us the model and mileage of the vehicle... What if it's
just your AC idler (like on the CR-V?) They get worse when cold and
there's a TSB about them at www.tegger.com.

'Curly'

 

No, don't do it that way.

You don't go to a local butcher, get a good steak, and bring it to your
local restaurant and ask them to cook it, do you?

If you get your own power steering pump, and two days after it is
installed it dies, guess what? Your out of luck. You have to pay again
to have the pump replaced. In addition, the garage charges more for the
part than they pay. If you remove the profit from this, they will get
the profit elsewhere.

I don't know how much it will cost you to get the pump replaced.
However, you're regular mechanic can tell you.

It could be just a belt. Again, consult your mechanic. And check the
fluid level.

Yes, having to tug a lot harder when you have to make a sudden turn is
life-threatening.

jeff

 

In the several years I have been reading the two Honda
newsgroups, I do not think I have ever read of a PS pump
failing.

PS system problems that do happen typically are due to
failing to use genuine Honda PS fluid in the system. Has
anyone been adding non-Honda PS fluid to your Accord's PS
system? Have you inspected the system's reservoir to see
where the level is at? Do you see PS fluid on the ground
where the car is usually parked or around the underside of
the pump?

In the alternative, your Accord may simply have needed
either addition of a little PS fluid or a purge of air. Have
you had any maintenance done on your Accord that required
opening the PS system. For example, changing the Timing Belt
on some Hondas is easier if one removes the PS pump. I used
to do this with my 91 Civic until I found a way to keep from
removing it.

If the PS pump or other PS component fails, then the backup
is good old fashioned non-Power steering. You will have to
apply more effort to turn the wheels.

A brand new OEM (= genuine Honda) pump for your Accord goes
for about $220. See OEM parts sites like
www.slhondaparts.com , under "Engine." Other PS parts are
under "Chassis." I'd seriously consider a pump from a
junkyard, after inspecting the pump and other components for
leaks. Look at the car and see if the main reason it's in
the yard is a collision. That will tell you the pump is
likely fine.

If you have no confidence in your diagnosis abilities, I
would seek a second opinion.

 

it's highly likely they're trying to rip you - the noise symptoms are
classic for a loose belt.

honda pump failure is extremely rare. and even then, it's usually seals
due to incorrect fluid use. take this car to another shop [independent
honda repair specialist] and tell them you want the belts changed - that
should take care of everything. and call around to check their
reputation too.

 

way to go jeff. the op is already getting ripped off. and now you're
panicking them into getting ripped off harder. nice move.

 

Check with your local Honda dealer as you may get it replaced for free.
Check for TSB's on the power steering pump.

 

Those are very good points. I'll ask my mechanic (an independent Honda
specialist) to check it out and let me know if that's really what I need. If
it is, I'll let them order the part and do the whole thing, so they will
stand
by their warranty. Sometimes they do recommend finding a salvage part,
so I'll get their opinion on that as well!

 

No one other than a Honda specialist has done any work
to my car other than tires, alignment, etc.

I'll definitely get my mechanic to check it thoroughly
and give me a second opinion. I wouldn't have expected
the pump to go bad either; however, this car had to have
a new transmission at 55,000, which I would never expected
from a Honda. Also had motor mounts go bad at about
65,000. My family has been driving Hondas for about 15 years,
but this may be my last one. It just hasn't stood up to the
Honda name as the ones we've had in the past. It has about
90,000 on it now, so I probably won't have it too much longer.

Thanks for the advice!

 

The whining noise goes away after the car warms up. Would a belt do that?

 

a second opinion from the same mechanic?

find another mechanic asap - this one is absolutely taking you to the
cleaners.

 

What was that Rodney Dangerfield(?) line?

"Woman went to the doctor and he told her she was overweight. She said
she wanted a second opinion.

And you're ugly too!"

 

absolutely, yes.