h0p3l355dork

2 weeks ago, I decided to take upon replacing my alternator on my '99 Accord V6 because I was having some electrical problems. After that tedious 2 hour ordeal, I finally got my old alternator out and my new one in. Excited that I would no longer have any electrical problems, I went to start my car. As the engine turned on, a grinding noise was accompanying it and at first I thought it was because of a loose belt or something. This car comes with a automatic tensioner though so that was ruled out. I narrowed it down to be coming from the power steering pump. Now before anyone asks, I did not even touch the power steering assembly when removing my alternator. (I took off the right radiator fan per Haynes manual). I maybe have moved the reservoir a bit but no hoses were removed.

The troubleshooting I've tried so far: performed a complete flush with OEM fluid. (No go).
Replaced clamps with screw hose clamps for a tighter hold and another flush.
Turned wheel back and forth several several times.
(For this last one, I did it with the engine on and while idle and increased to high RPMS as well.) The car should be jacked up for this correct?

I took it to one mechanic and he said that the pump is failing but I don't get how that is possible if I did not touch it.

I am hoping it is still "air in the system" and not a failing pump because I am not looking forward to buying a new/reman pump. Does anyone know if rebuilding the PS pump is difficult?

Any help will be much appreciated. >.<

dleccord

If you have time and patience, redo the seals.

h0p3l355dork

can u elaborate on that? what do i need to buy / where would be a good place to buy them etc. and the cost would be?

dtapia

the return line to the pump that the clamp is on their is a outlet,and if you remove the 10mm bolt and remove it you will see a o ring replace it.

h0p3l355dork

http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...s840_b3361.gif

do u mean #22 there? if so, i already replaced that

jweller

I'm pretty sure the rebuild kit for the pump only has soft parts. If it's making noise, then it's likely a bad bearing. two things. 1) it doesn't have to be related to your alternator work. stuff just fails. It's ten years old and things break. 2) if you over tightened the belt, you could be putting undue stress on the power steering pump bearings. That would kill it.

h0p3l355dork

I thought about that (overtightening the belt) but the alternator belt is completely different from the alternator belt though... I never even touched the belt/pulley on the power steering. And this car comes with an automatic tensioner. =\ Any one else have ideas?

h0p3l355dork

bump.

also has anyone bought OEM honda parts online at any site and has had a good experience? I googled it and found Bill Kay Honda of Illinois to be quite cheap but anyone have any other suggestions with quality and price in mind?

YeuEmMaiMai

H&A and Majestic Honda have good online sales

twingst

I have the exact same problem on my 2001 MDX. It happened right after I changed the alternator. Could I have done something to the timing of idle when I was putting the drive belt on and off?

OP. If you can kindly let us know what your solution was, it would be wonderful.