Sup HT,
I'm in the process of searching for reliable, replacement power steering pump for my 97 Accord SE. As far as quality, what brand will I find the most reliable? Thanks

 

OEM rebuild from auto store?

I don't think anyone really makes an aftermarket power steering pump and all of the ones from auto stores are going to be a crapshoot.

 

I have yet to rebuild one myself but from what I've read it's not that hard. Just buy the kit for $20 and rebuild yours yourself. It really doesn't seem to be hard at all.

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback. Guess I'll fork those extra duckets and get an oem pump. Just to be safe

 

That's going to be fairly expensive. Alternators are more of a crap shoot than power steering pumps. I would just go the aftermarket and they are going to be limited lifetime warranty too which is great, but if it's going to be bad it will be bad as soon as you start it up and they aren't hard to remove anyhow.

 

Just got one from Advance Auto tonight for $70 + the core charge.

When replacing the pump, do you guys recommend getting a new pulley and belt?

Anyone have a DIY on how to replace the pump? Not sure if there is anything special about doing so. (bleeding, removing pulley, how to know how much tension there should be).

 

It is straight forward. Remove and replace. Use the same pulley. If your belts look healthy, reuse. As far as tension, make sure you can twist the belt a full 90 degrees. After starting the car, if it makes a humming noise, it is too tight.

 

Forgot to update this!

Got it replaced along with the belt. My only issue was realizing that the bolt on the pulley was threaded the opposite of normal. Oops.... Aw well, ended up needing to replace the pulley since I messed the old one up but its all good now! Just need to tighten up the belt a tiny bit and it will be perfect.