Accessories be cryin... cost-effective replacements?
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Accessories be cryin... cost-effective replacements?
Power Steering Pump
After some inspection, I've concluded that my power steering pump may be due for replacement. It makes a constant noise and moving/squeezing the supply hose doesn't seem to affect it (a supposed test for o-ring health). No foaming of fluid, just grinding/rolling type noise.
I can get a new genuine Honda pump and pair of o-rings at nearly the cost fully rebuilding the existing pump so I figured I'd replace the whole pump.
Is this a solid approach or are there more testing methods I should consider before yanking the pump? It'd be nice to fix it with a $5 part rather than replacing it.
A/C Compressor
The A/C compressor started squealing but only when the A/C is OFF. When the system is off, the A/C clutch is disengaged so the clutch/compressor sits still while the pulley is free-wheeling. This is when it squeals. When the compressor kicks on, the clutch engages, all parts rotate in harmony, no noise, blizzard inside car.
When the clutch is disengaged and the pulley is free-wheeling, the bearing is being worked. When the clutch engages, I imagine the bearing stops rotating as the entire compressor system rotates together...?
If that assumption is true, I'd then assume the bearing is the culprit. There is also an electronic device in there and the clutch itself that move relative to the pulley when disengaged so those aren't out of the equation yet but don't seem as likely.
Is there a more sound method for diagnosis here or am I on the right track?
Thank ya boiz!
After some inspection, I've concluded that my power steering pump may be due for replacement. It makes a constant noise and moving/squeezing the supply hose doesn't seem to affect it (a supposed test for o-ring health). No foaming of fluid, just grinding/rolling type noise.
I can get a new genuine Honda pump and pair of o-rings at nearly the cost fully rebuilding the existing pump so I figured I'd replace the whole pump.
Is this a solid approach or are there more testing methods I should consider before yanking the pump? It'd be nice to fix it with a $5 part rather than replacing it.
A/C Compressor
The A/C compressor started squealing but only when the A/C is OFF. When the system is off, the A/C clutch is disengaged so the clutch/compressor sits still while the pulley is free-wheeling. This is when it squeals. When the compressor kicks on, the clutch engages, all parts rotate in harmony, no noise, blizzard inside car.
When the clutch is disengaged and the pulley is free-wheeling, the bearing is being worked. When the clutch engages, I imagine the bearing stops rotating as the entire compressor system rotates together...?
If that assumption is true, I'd then assume the bearing is the culprit. There is also an electronic device in there and the clutch itself that move relative to the pulley when disengaged so those aren't out of the equation yet but don't seem as likely.
Is there a more sound method for diagnosis here or am I on the right track?
Thank ya boiz!
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
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Re: Accessories be cryin... cost-effective replacements?
I imagine the bearing stops rotating as the entire compressor system rotates together...?
Is there a more sound method for diagnosis here or am I on the right track?
Is the outer clutch plate tight, not wobbly?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 188
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Rep Power: 140 Re: Accessories be cryin... cost-effective replacements?
Ahh, didn't know the inner race was mounted to the case. Found a sweet animation on youtube that shows the motion..
Of course this now has me confused as to why the squeal stops when the clutch engages.
I'll get the serpentine belt off soon and give the pulley a lil wiggle-n-a-spin. 
Of course this now has me confused as to why the squeal stops when the clutch engages.
