Hello, y'all. I have a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L (2.4L 4-cylinder, 173,721 miles on it) that has something wrong with the power steering pump. I noticed that there was some sort of leak, after seeing fluid in my driveway a few weeks ago, and I assumed that it was a power steering leak. So, I ended up taking it to a local mechanic, who took a quick look at it and told me that it was a power steering leak and that they had tightened up the hose clamps on one of the hoses, thinking that it might have fixed it, but that they weren't sure of how much this might have done to stop the leak. It wasn't like a formal appointment, I just called and asked them to take a quick look at it and I was able to stop in later that day, so that's basically what it was, them just doing a favor and briefly looking at it, to see if they could find the leak and, at least, do some sort of temporary fix. Well, unfortunately, it is still leaking everyday, so I'm trying to figure out an actual solution to the problem.

Also, when I left the mechanic shop, the guy told me that I could try to buy some "power steering hose" and just cut it myself to fit what I needed for, and that replacing the power steering hose might fix the problem. However, I'm not sure which power steering hose the guy was referring to, as there look to be several power steering hoses. I was thinking that I could just buy some type of general power steering hose, that is some sort of universal fit, that I could cut to the proper length and replace myself. However, after taking a look at the power steering pump, I am not sure what to even try to do, with regards to replacing a power steering hose. Also, I seem to recall reading something online (possibly, on these forums), about how there's a common problem that has to do with air getting in to the power steering hoses and causing a whining noise. It mostly seems to occur it when it's cold outside, and it has been dipping down into the low-40s and high-30s where I live in Arizona, over the past few weeks, and the noise has gotten louder lately. When first starting the engine, after it's been sitting for a while, after a couple minutes, the whining sound does get quieter, but it's still noticeable, for a while. And when I turn my steering wheel from side to side, it doesn't seem like the whining noise gets louder, like what typically seems to be the case, when the power steering pump has actually gone bad; but, when I'm driving and I press on the gas pedal and accelerate, it sometimes make the whining noise get louder.

With that said, I'm going to try to uploaded a couple videos, with sound, so that y'all can hear the actual whining sound that's coming from my power steering pump. I'm also going to try to post a few pictures of the fluid spots, to show some of what has leaked on to my driveway. So, please, feel free to check out the pictures and watch the videos and listen to the whining sound, if you wouldn't mind doing so, to try to help a better diagnosed what the problem with my '08 Accord might be. If anyone has any helpful advice or suggestions, I would sincerely appreciate them.

Also, I'm curious, should I try to get some sort of generic power steering hose from a local auto parts store and see if I can fix the problem, by simply replacing the hose? Or, is that not realistic? And if it is realistic, which of these power steering hoses am I looking to replace? And is there a specific power steering hose that I should ask for, from my local auto parts store? Or, is there a general/generic hose that should work for my Accord's power steering pump? Also, if it turns out that I do need to get a new power steering pump, does anyone have an idea of about how much a new power steering pump should cost? And can anyone recommend a place to buy a new power steering pump? Auto Zone? O'Reilly Auto Parts? Car Quest? Or, should I try to buy a power steering pump from an online store, Amazon or Rock Auto or some other online seller, assuming that my local mechanic shop will even install a part that I bought myself? And if they won't do that, I'm not sure what to do, as I'm not particularly mechanically inclined. However, I am somewhat capable of trying to do something, so, I should also ask, if I do need to get a new power steering pump, is that something that's relatively easy to install? Is it worth trying to replace the power steering pump myself? Or, is going to mechanic and having it professionally installed, likely, going to be the better choice?

I'm sorry for the lengthy post. And thank you very much, in advance, for any helpful replies that I may get.

Videos, with sound:
https://imgur.com/fWUYWEU
https://imgur.com/PhZKy38
https://imgur.com/Gwdfh2Y
https://imgur.com/tVUGjyF

Pictures of fluid in my driveway and of power steering pump:
https://i.imgur.com/KC21J7j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fSwWoOx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mfeFsmN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yakj0lv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7ng2Wax.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZHIkclX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6CkjaCt.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4QoOl4H.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/E32MkHG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/69Q1WEt.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SRQdT1H.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/E8urj80.jpg

 

Honda are picky on power steering fluid. Honda power steering fluid is recommended. Only use something aftermarket that says approved for Honda.

You have a leak somewhere in your system, A common failure on the power steering pump is the o-ring where the hose mounts to the power steering pump. There are several youtube videos showing the repair. It is pretty simple and cheap and may fix the problem.

Is the power steering fluid clear or is it foamy or filled with air bubbles?

If the actual hose is leaking, then I'd recommend replacing the entire hose with a Honda part or maybe aftermarket.