The Power Steering Pump has started to make a loud 'werring' sound, louder at lower RPM, whenever the engine has been running for approximately 5-10 mins.
It is quiet upon start up on a cold engine and as time passes the noise occurs.
Turn off the engine and let it sit for about 1/2hr then re-start, the noise though audible is not as loud but gets louder relatively quickly.

The pump intake O ring was changed but to no avail.

There is evidence of a very slight sweating on the output line of the pump which routes to the steering rack, but it is really dry.

Fluid level is in the normal range.

I am wondering if since this seems heat related if the fluid needs to be changed. Maybe it is breaking down when heated.


Thoughts anyone?

 

For PS noise Honda says:

Worth a try of course, but not so likely, since you have identified the pump as the source of noise.

Probably not, since you have replaced the inlet o-ring.

The sweating on the output line would indicate that the pump output temperature is cold. That plus the noise would point to restricted flow.

It looks like a PS fluid change should do it. It takes about 1 liter to get a good full exchange.

Honda PS fluid 08206-9002A
RDX reservoir 53701-STK-A01

1. Lift the car and remove front wheels.

2. For MUCH better access pull the bumper and right headlight. (Refer to wspy's excellent pics on this.)

3. Lift out reservoir and remove supply and return lines from reservoir and catch spills.

4. The reservoir screen is VERY fine and delicate. It can be carefully cleaned with degreaser and rinsed. Don't put a hole in it!

Or buy a new reservoir ($30)

5. Attach supply line to res. Cap return nozzle on res (vacuum cap). Put return line in a waste jar.

6. Turn key to unlock steering, but DO NOT start engine.

7. Pour new Honda PS fluid in res. SLOWLY turn steering and observe fluid flowing through pump into system and old fluid flowing into jar. Keep the res at least half full to avoid drawing air into system.

8. When fluid runs clean into jar, there should be about 1 liter used and 1 liter of waste.

9. Put lines on res and install res. Top it up. Run engine and turn steering to bleed system of air. Be ready with more fluid if needed.

 

OUr RDX is at 113k miles and I have changed the PS fluid and cleaned the res screen twice now. Also put in a new inlet o-ring.

The old PS fluid after about 35k-40k miles is very contaminated and the res screen is quite dirty. Fresh fluid and clean res makes a big difference.

 

Wow..........Thanks a mill

 

It can be done without, but pulling the bumper and headlight allows easy access. Also move the overflow coolant tank (don't disconnect it).





The reservoir filter is located in the lower 1/3rd of the res. It is a very fine plastic mesh screen. I spray it with purple degreaser, swish it around and rinse -- over and freakin over -- till it's clean. Then dry with hair dryer. The effort may not be worth the cost of just buying a new one.

 

To 737Jock: wow, that much gunk on the OEM filter is amazing. After 27K miles on my RDX, the screen has maybe 20 black dots the size of pin-head. I guess changing the fluid occassionally really does matter.

And I have seen posts that certain Chrysler cars will burn-up the pump when the PS tank filter gets clogged.
=================

To WSPY: you did not state the mileage on your car, but if your fluid or tank filter looks like the picture from 737Jock, that could certainly be your problem.

It seems so much easier to do a flush from the right front (passenger) side wheel well. I would much rather remove the wheel well liner and front splash guard, than the front fender. You can read how I do it in my thread that you have already posted in (add a PS filter). But either way will work.

And I certainly would not try a flush without either that method or the one shown by 737Jock, as I would be concerned about getting PS fluid all over the engine/ accessory belt.

But of course, my method will not easily allow tank replacment. You would still have the concern of spilling fluid inside the engine bay.

Oh, and the replacement PS tank I purchased was only $16, but that was 2-years ago. Has the price really increased that much? My, my. I have not actually used the replacement tank, I just thought I would need it by now.

 

2008 with 19500 miles

 

Yeah, there's still a bit of fluid sloshing in the res in that pic. It makes it look jelled when it really is not. Mostly what I get is the little black dots of debris.

wspy, your mileage is so low that I'm wondering now about things besides fluid contamination.

 

Although obviously the fluid change is the first thing to try. Though your miles are low, the fluid is still 5 years old.

Here's a better pic of res contamination from my first fluid change at about 35k miles.

 

Well....I decided to try the easiest thing and add a additive to the fluid. So I bought a bottle of Lucas Power Steering treatment.


I used a length of aquarium air hose to siphon out the factory fluid from the reservoir. Then poured in the Lucas stuff. Started the car and let it run for a few minutes while turning the steering wheel full from side to side. There was about a half of the stuff still left to be added so I emptied the reservoir again and poured in the rest of the Lucas.

Well would'nt you know it but it seems to have solved the problem.... The steering pump is now again quiet after long driving!