[starcaptain]

Over the weekend I pulled my 2000 Odyssey up on ramps and replaced the AC compressor. To get the compressor in, I had to push past the power steering fluid resevoir several times while removing the alternator and old compressor. When I completed the job and started to back down the ramps, I had a new noise that was not there before changing the compressor. I could hear the whine that a power steering system makes when it is low on fluid. I stopped quickly and discovered that the power steering resevoir had fluid foaming and bubbling out the top of the reservoir. There was no problem with the power steering when I started the compressor change out. Visual inspection did not reveal any damaged lines or kinked power steering hoses. Is there any likely cause for the new problem? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[New Dad New Van]

Air is getting in the PS system to create foaming. You must have caused an air leak in the reservoir/lines of the PS. Check all hoses especially at the inlet O-ring.

 

[starcaptain]

Thank You for Excellent Advice

I replaced the "o" ring on the inlet side of the power steering pump and the problem is solved. Thank you very much for the excellent advice!!!

 

[runsmooth68]

It IS Excellent Advice indeed! I was trying to remove timing-belt cover and pushed the inlet hose a bit. And you know what happened next: whining, moaning and foaming. Found this forum thread, and went to dealer. It only costed me $1.57 for a O-ring. Replaced and it's working like new now. Again, thanks so much!

 

[ljhaney587]

Thank you to this Forum!

The family and I were on a road trip 700 miles from home this week when on a cold morning a loud whine was heard in the Power Steering Pump area. The noise was present even though I was sitting still, but was a lot more pronounced when turning the steering wheel left or right. The reservoir was foaming some as well.

Research of the Forum revealed the culprit as bad o-rings at the Power Steering Pump connections that allow air into the system.

Having only limited tools, I needed to seal the air leak as best I could externally somehow. I went to Advanced Auto and bought a tube of Permatex Ultra Black RTV (PX 82180) ... and some latex rubber gloves.

I had difficulty trying to spread a bead around the back sides of the metal-to-metal joint due to limited access, so I had to improvise. I took a paper bag and cut it into a 1/2" wide by 10" strip. I threaded it behind the area that needed the RTV. Once in place, I pulled the paper back a few inches and applied a thick bead of RTV onto the paper. Then I pulled the paper and RTV into position and applied some minor pressure to spread the RTV bead.

I applied some RTV on the front side and trimmed the paper to fit neatly around the front and it formed a "bandaide" completely wrapping the joint.

I did this with both the input and output connections. I let it set/cure for a couple of hours.

NOISE WAS IMMEDIATELY GONE! And, we were able to complete our journey. New o-rings will be ordered.

BEST!

Lenny

 

[0dyfamily]

Congrats on an awesome on-the-road fix!

OF

 

[bruce2]

Impressive. Enjoy!

 

[Our Odyssey]

Can someone take a pic of where the o-ring is located?

 

[6-Speed]

Here you go. The red O-ring replaces the black one.

 

[sontakke]

what is holding these two pieces together? Is there a hidden bolt at the bottom?

 

[6-Speed]

what is holding these two pieces together? Is there a hidden bolt at the bottom?

Yes ... there is one bolt on the underside of the inlet tube.

 

[6-Speed]

There's a Honda Service Bulletin (07-086) published for the 2003 to 2009 Accord V6 that describes the same issue and corrective service in good detail:

http://www.arcreman.com/attachments/File/Technical_Information/Honda_07-086.pdf

 

[ronlow]

I had the same issue after timing belt and water pump replacement. I had an appointment for a wheel alignment. So I ask to have power steering pump checked. High pitched grinding noise when turning the steering wheell. Honda service recommended replacing pump, hoses and reservoir bottle. Total $800. I call Geico to use mechanical break down insurance. They sent an inspector to check, they thought the $800 was a bit much. They would not cover the cost due to rust on the hose clamps. They reccomended hose clamps replaced. I had service replace the clamps. Still no fix. So I googled and found something similar for the accord steering pump. So I ordered the O ring and a couple of bottles of steering fluid. After the parts arrived. Took me an hour to replace the O ring. Lack of a 10 mm combination wrench. Well anyways had to take off the side motor mount to get to the bolts to disconnect the power steering pump to access that 1 bolt for the O ring . All fixed for 78 cents and hour of my time.

 

[sontakke]

See, here is a clear case example of dealer fraud. Honda dealer knows for sure that o-ring can be cause of this problem. I recall there is even TSB on it. Even then he suggests $800 repair to the customer. I think term stealer is aptly applicable.

 

[jakester65]

If I happened to break down directly in front of a Honda dealership, I would call a towtruck and pay to bring it elsewhere!!!

 

[Joebklyn]

What I'd like to know is how you superimposed a green pointer line & text on a picture? I'm in my 50's and not too hip on this 'putor stuff.

 

[OdyinNH]

Picture editing software like Photoshop. If you have a Windows PC you can edit the picture with Paint and add lines and text. Not quite as cleanly as in that picture though.

 

[surgeon]

Like Mike said, Paint is pretty quick. If you like working with Word or Powerpoint, could use that alternatively. Insert image, then use shapes and text boxes to write/overlay on top. This way editing is easier for you. Save that as pic.