I was having problem starting the car for the last few days. It would not start right away, it takes a few turns to crack it. I stoped by AUTOZONE yesterday and they checked the battary and the alternator.

While the Engine is off, Battery Voltage: 11.87V
While the Engine is Running, Battery Voltage: 11.92V

The guy at the store said, the alternator is bad. AUTOZONE has a alternator for $159.99 and lifetime warranty. Manufacturer is Hitachi and its 110V. I found a guy who would do the work and charge $75 for labour.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=112234_0_0_

I am planning to get this done today evening. I also have problem with power steering pump, its leaking. Does it make it any easier to get to both of them at the same time? If they are completely unrelated jobs, I would get the PS pump done some time latter.

All you opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

Advice, get them both done, it comes out cheaper than to do it on separate times. Buy the parts and have them install it.

 

I will try to do both at the same time. I am planning to buy the alternator from AUTOZONE(since its a Hitachi, 110V). I am look for a power steering pump and found these three options all of the are $160. The one from AUTOZONE doesn't specify the manufacturer but it does come with a lifetime warranty.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...=61097_0_3508_

if the above one is not a recommended option I can get one of theses two(same price).

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Power-Steering-Pump-Fenco_18710473-P_251_R|GRP60016_1526480375____

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...2869&ppt=C0031

I looked around on ORG and couldn't find a post recommending specific brands, I am gonna hold off until I hear from you guys on the PS pump.

 

Are you sure it's the pump itself and not the hose that is leaking. Cause if it's the hose, then you can buy that and do it yourself.

 

I went to a mechanic couple of months back, while changing the belts; he said the pump is leaking right behind the belt pulley. I checked it and the area between the pump and the pulley is covered in oil. Even though I don’t loose much fluid between oil changes, it’s still dripping slowly.

I saw the car from underneath while on the rack, there is a leak from the power steering pump area and everything below it is covered in oil. I can still ask the new mechanic to see if it’s the pump or some thing else. If its the pump I want to know which one to buy.

 

Good luck with the repair. If you let the alternator go bad, you will be needing a new battery.

 

That's why I am trying to get the alternator fixed today. I will also try to get the power steering pump.

 

Your alternator is NOT dying, it is ALREADY dead :-)

- Vikas

 

finally replaced alternator, $170 part(autozone) and $100 labor.

 

How many miles on car?

 

96k as of today.

 

Double check it's not the PS hose. Generally it leaks near the top of the hose underneath the foam covering and then runs down the hose where it might give the appearance it's leaking from other places because the oil gets splattered everywhere down there.



Where the silver cover is on this hose should be black rubber foam on the OEM hose. Push it back and see if there is oil on the inside of it and on the hose.

 

I will check that after work today. I hope it's the hose that's leaking, replacing the pump is too costly.

 

I checked the hose location you shown in the picture and the hose under the reservoir, both are dry. Is there still a possibility of a leak on the hose? Is there a way to confirm that?

 

I have a small leak and all my hoses and pump are bone dry too. It looks like my leak is from the steering rack itself. Take a look at the boots on the inner tie rods to the rack and see if they look wet especially on the bottom of the boots.

 

Interesting.....got my 00 max with 116,000 miles,three years later now at 150,000...just wondering if old owner ever changed alternator or I'm over due lol.

 

Change it when it starts making noises or stops charging. It will be going soon