It's really obvious that the noise is coming from the pulley attached to the power steering pump. Sound is present and random during idle, but is much more pronounced when tugging the steering wheel back and forth. Sounds like a bad bearing.

Any way to replace the bearing only? Any other suggestions or insights appreciated as well. Thanks!

2002 Accord Coupe SE - 4 Cyl

 

Looks like you can get parts for the pump. But first put on some belt dressing or even spray water on the belt. If that changes the sound, then your problem isn't in the pump but rather a slipping belt.

 

also make sure that it is not a worn o-ring sucking air i the system

 

Thanks! The belt looks okay at first glance, but you're right. It's definitely easier and cheaper to eliminate that first. Also... Any way you could include the legend identifying each of those components by name?

I did some searching before creating this thread and the o-ring thing came up and I initially thought that might be it too. But when I read more details, I understand that the sound is more like a moan or groan... The noise I'm hearing isn't constant , but when it occurs, it sounds slightly metallic... scraping? Very hard to describe...

 

Cant put an ACTIVE link here because they're not a sponsor, but you can figure this out...

www dot hondaautomotiveparts dot com
click PARTS catalog
put in your car's information

select PS Pump/bracket as the category

also see PS hoses for the O-ring seal located where the hoses attach to the pump

ANYWHERE in the system, look for something that might leak & allow air to be sucked in.

 

Awesome! Thanks!

 

Another idea to check out...

Down in the reservoir is a fine mesh screen, normally submerged in the fluid. If that gets full of gunk, the pump will have a hard time sucking fluid. Pump cavitation might be the sound you're hearing?

 

Thanks! I've read about that too! It's my wife's car, so I'll try to check it all out this weekend and will definitely provide an update.