Rep Power: 0

I have a 2003 Honda Civic. A month or so ago the alternator died. My next door neighbor who was a mechanic in the army and also has a 2003 Civic also helped me replace it.

A month later now I am getting this really bad squealing when I have maxed out the turning. When maxed all the way to the right the wheel kicks back a little bit. Does it a tad on the left, but much more noticeable on the right.

Theres a very minor amount of squealing when the car is not maxed out on turning radius, but it really comes to life when it is. In the video you will hear this. I took a little footage of the belt. I am thinking it may be too loose? Also, when maxing out a hose leading from the pump towards the firewall starts "jumping" a little bit when the turn radius is maxed out.

I also noticed how gross the power steering fluid is. This is actually my wife's car, but I guess I should pay closer attention to it and not wait for her to tell me of a problem

What do you think the problem is here? Thanks for your help!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9o4az7ZOb0[/youtube]

 
Rep Power: 235

Are you feeling chattering in the steering wheel too? Is the steering hard (no power steering)?

1. Change the fluid: Siphon it out of the reservoir, replace with new, run the engine a couple minutes while turning the wheel. Repeat as many times as necessary to remove all that old fluid. *Only use Honda fluid.*

2. Tighten the belt correctly. It should have 1/8th inch of deflection.

3. Some other things to check.
-Check for loose steering components
-Check for steering column wobble
-Check the rack guide adjustment
-Check to see if the PS pump pulley is loose. If the pulley is loose, tighten it. If the shaft is loose, replace the pump.

In the end, if it's none of these things then you probably need a new or re-built steering rack 'cause the bad fluid ruined the seals.

 
Rep Power: 367

to remove alternator you removed power steering. potentially the belt came loose.

 
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Nope not hard to steer. Power steering is still working. Has not inhibited the ability to drive, just annoying/concerning.

I will probably start with these two first. My friend who used to be a mechanic until last month and who owned the same car, says it sounds like a belt too. I should have replaced it when I was replacing the alternator and alternator belt. I might try to first try to tighten and see if that makes it go away before taking it all off and putting a new belt on there.

Hope that is all it is. This Honda has been a champ and the alternator last month was the first major repair in 140k miles.

 
Rep Power: 210

I would replace the P/S belt. The belt only slips when you hold the steering wheel at the lock because that is when the pump is working against the stop and the pressure is the greatest. My guess is the hose is "jumping" because as the hose slips the fluid presure changes. Under normal driving conditions the belt doesn't slip so the steering feels fine.

If you put a new belt on tighten it enough so it does not slip but don't overtighten or you will put stress on the P/S pump bearings. With a new belt it may squeal or slip after a while as it stretches a little. Just tighten the belt and you should be fine.

Replacing the fluid is probably a good idea.

 
Rep Power: 0

Well, I replaced the power steering belt finally. I unfortunately broke the wing nut screw that is used to help tighten the belt. Replaced it with a Metric 10 crappy screw from Home Depot for the time being. Got rid of most of the normal squealing but the "knocking" squealing when turned all the way was still there. Actually I had a mobile mechanic help me do this when he fixed the wheel bearing.

Anyways, took the car to the dealership for a recall and SRS seat belt light. I asked them what they thought and they said the belt is just too loose.

So tonight I tried tightening the belt more and the crappy home depot bolt snapped while turning with a socket. I also noticed the metal tab that the screw goes through is now bent at an angle. I need to buy a new tab and the wingnut screw.

Does anyone know what these are called? I found the whole power steering assembly on eBay that includes these items for $12 shipped.... but I dont need the whole bracket.

Also, besides turning the bolt to tighten the belt, how else do I get this tighter?

Thanks for the help!

 
Rep Power: 235

Numbers 9 and 11: http://www.hondapartscheap.com/index...%20-%20BRACKET

 
Rep Power: 0

You rock! Thanks for this.

 
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Its actually half the price to buy the whole bracket on ebay than for just the two parts on that site. Shipping and handling kill that deal for me. Guess I will order that piece on ebay.

 
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Just an update. Installed the right bolt and tab and got everything buttoned up great! No more squeal!

 
Rep Power: 235

Nice. Good luck with the sale.

 
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Honda Dealership offered me $3k. Im going to take it to Car Max now that the squeal is fixed and after I fix the sash and see what they offer. My sister might actually buy it too..

Wouldn't be selling it if we didnt get a great deal on a family members SUV. It has been a great car!

 
Rep Power: 235

Same here. I'm selling mine after the first of the year and buying the parents' Odyssey.