03 Accord PS pump problems

I sent our Accord to the dealer yesterday to have the noisy power
steering looked at. This is the same problem RRozsa referenced in his
2/23/08 message. The service rep called this morning to tell me that
the pump and the reservoir are both leaking and it would cost around
$650 to replace both. I think this is a result of the ill-informed
employees at the Valvoline Oil Change topping off the ps fluid with
non-honda fluid.

I'm skilled enough that I can replace the pump myself but after reading
the responses to RRozsa's message, I'm thinking that maybe the pump
just needs the seals replaced and not a complete replacement. I see you
can order o-rings and seals on the parts sites. Would it be easier in
the long run to just replace the pump or go for the rebuild?

 

Easier;replacing the pump.
that's an easy question to answer.

in "the long run"...YMMV.
it all depends on the quality of the replacement pump;rebuilt or new,who
did the rebuild.....

 

That's what I figured. On the parts sites I see a listing for the PS
pump and also a PS pump sub assembly that's about twice the price.
What's the difference?

 

In the long run those quick change places don't really save you time or
money. Do it yourself or get a qualified real tech to do it.