Findlay Honda
Findlay Honda Las Vegas TSB 07-086 Power Steering Pump O-ring John Parrish Deborah Shomsky Allen Lee Lisa Jacobson

On 11/30 I went to Findlay-Honda to get a regular oil change for my 2004 Honda Accord EX V6. While there I expressed concern about my car's loud groaning/squealing when turning the wheel (especially on cold mornings).

I had already conducted an exhaustive internet search of the problem and found that most other Accord owners experienced a similar problem and diagnosed it as an issue only with the O-ring that sits between the power steering pump and the hose. Honda identified this problem (and fix) itself in its own Technical Service Bulletin TSB 07-086. I mentioned this to the Service Consultant Deborah Shomsky and gave her a copy of the two-page TSB. She brought it back the the repair manager to look at.

Deborah Shomsky later told me that the fix outlined in Honda's own Technical Service Bulletin TSB 07-086 would not work and my Power Steering Pump unit would need to be entirelyl replaced. She stated that it would cost approximately $300 to replace the pump. I declined the fix.

I then went to the shop desk and purchased the parts outlined in the TSB and replaced the O-ring myself. The O-ring replacement took about 20 minutes to complete and cost only $5.33. (In the two months since, my Accord has not groaned or whined when steering, even at temperatures below 32F.)

Even after two months, I am extremely upset by Findlay Honda's attempted rip-off. Still curious, I called the service department to see what another repair technician might say. Maybe they would be more forthcoming. To my dismay, Service Consultant John Parrish also stated the power steering pump “had” to be replaced. Below is his quote which would cost even more than originally quoted. He actually had the gall to suggest he could “save me money” by using a remanufactured pump. (I can forward you the email if you wish.) Again, this was after I knew a pump replacement wasn't needed.

Here is your estimate for that power steering pump:
Honda remanufactured pump which carries a 3yr 36k warranty $301.40
High pressure hose o-ring, need to replace when removing $1.31
Fluid reservoir, which has a filter in it we replace $28.06
Power steering fluid $6.51 x2 = $13.02
Parts $343.79
Labor $157.50
Total $501.29 parts and labor
Tax 8.1% $40.60
$541.89

Needless to say, all trust I had in Findlay Honda has vanished. I don't feel I can use a dealership for any kind of service if I know they'll try to “take me” any chance they get. When my wife and I purchase our next Honda (we have owned 5 different Hondas so far), we will not be visiting Findlay Honda. At least our experience hasn't changed our impression of Honda, only your dealership.

Two months later, I am still dumbfounded that even after showing the service department the TSB with a clear description of the problem and fix, your service staff denied that it would work.instead, they pushed a very costly and completely unnecessary fix.

Company: Findlay Honda
Country: USA
State: Nevada
City: Las VEgas
Address: 7494 West Azure Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130
Phone: 7029824200
Site: findlayhonda.com

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