My 1998 3.2 TL makes a grinding noise when it is cold outside. I think it is the power steering. If I idle the car, and turn the wheel, the grinding noise gets louder. It's also a little bit tougher to turn the wheels.

The fluid level is fine, and my mechanic says everything checks out and the power steering rack, etc. looks great.

The wierd thing is that the noise dissapears when it is above 15 degrees or so outside.

Has this happended to anyone else? Any idea what is causing the noise?

Thanks

 

It could be the fluid is too thick at that temperature and starving the pump causing cavitation in the pump (not good for pump).

You might try flushing the system w/ new Acura PS fluid. For nice clean fluid, you'll need to replace the PS fluid reservoir which has a non-replaceable filter that retains fluid and contaminants that color new fluid.

good luck