Timing belt service at 101k, now at 105k..
Started hearing a whirring/growling noise, goes up with engine RPM. Thought it was a tensioner, but isolated it to the power steering pump, removed the belt and tested, noise went away..
power steering works fine, no leaks, fluid is dark, but not black, no foaming..

6th gen accord didn't have the recall for the ps oring, and with no foaming or leaks, doesn't seem like its the problem, really sounds like a bearing going bad..but.. should I try to replace it first anyway? I read elsewhere that the oring once disturbed (which they probably did in my timing belt replacement) is not very happy and should be replaced..

estore at honda no longer shows the oring 91345-rda-a01 available.. (Its 015 in the P.S. PUMP - BRACKET (V6) part list)..

or just bite the bullet and order a new PS pump?

 

I think by removing the belt, you've narrowed it down to the pump. Even though it works OK (no foam, etc) I don't know how long you have before it deteriorates. It's easy for me to spend your money, so I'll recommend you get a new PS pump.

 

Thanks for confirming my thoughts..
I'm going to buy a new PS pump (only $27 more than a reman).
Need to flush the fluid through while I'm at it.. was thinking 4 12oz bottles.. Do you think thats enough, or should I get more?
I'm not sure of the capacity of the Ps system, and searching here, nobody has answered that question before, so I may have to find out for myself..

 

On the power steering flush, from hondapartsunlimited, the capacity is 12oz (one bottle), and the recommendation was 4-5 bottles to flush the system.
I'm posting this for anyone in the future who is looking for the same info..

My mechanic friend suggested flushing the system with the old ps pump on, then once its clear to replace the pump and send another bottle through...


Btw, very happy with hondapartsunlimited, they answer phone & email quick, are friendly (unlike another online honda place I've called), and great prices.
This isn't supposed to be an ad, but really sounds like one now that I re-read it.. so if I need to remove, please let me know.

 

Naah. Active links aren't allowed for non-sponsor selling sites, but you didn't make an ACTIVE link so I guess it's OK. Besides, if it were bad, WE could remove it without your help...