gkkitag

Hi -

Did a search on "power steering noise" and "power steering whine" but did not get any good hits.

My '04 TSX has developed a power steering "whine" upon cold start. At times, it's quite loud, and other times it is "noticeable". About one year ago, I lost some power steering fluid due to a hose problem. Also, my car sits in the garage, hooked to a battery maintainer/charger for probably 4 - 6 months each year (I travel a lot for my job). The car was purchased new in October '03, and has 78,800+ miles.

The "whine" sounds like when you've put in a new rack, and are adding fluid (turn the rack to one end, fill, turn the rack, etc), only louder. The "whine" does occur at times on a hot start.

There are no noticeable leaks, and the fluid level is good.

I'm wondering if this could be the fluid could be contaminated, or is the pump dying? Anyone have any ideas??

Thanks!!

nbtx

79 K miles, it's time to replace the PS fluid with the proper Honda stuff.

gkkitag

Okay, thanks. I'll replace the fluid with Honda stuff.

808havok_tsx

do you mean you hear the noise when you turn the wheel? if so, and the noise is present when you turn the wheel at slow speeds, get it checked out at pflueger. mine had a "groaning" "whining" "noise" when turning and i just got a whole new power steering rack. noise is gone. if your car is under warranty, go get it checked out...

gkkitag

Yes, the noise is louder when turning the wheel. I'd take it to the dealer, but the car has been out of warranty for some time. My Brother-In-Law is a mechanic, and he's going to check into this for me. I hope like anything it's not the rack. That will be major $$$ since the sub-frame has to come down (just had that done to replace the clutch).

Thanks!!

gkkitag

Nuther question - since my power steering hose broke a couple years ago, they had to drain the fluid to replace it. I'm thinking now, that the fluid is okay, despite the total mileage on the car. What do you think?

EuroRspec

iTrader: (1)

I would just replace it. They may have just fixed it and added fluid. Also look at the miles then and look at the miles now.

goddsmack

I agree, usually that whiny noise is the pump (which to me is actually easy to replace). Just make sure your level is correct, and turn your wheels from lock to lock to ensure your lines are bled (obviously do this while the car is running).

nbtx

Did your mechanic use Honda PS fluid? If not, that's the problem; use only the correct Honda fluid.

BTW, I bought a gallon of generic Valvoline PS fluid for my other vehicles and there is a specific note to NOT use in Honda vehicles.

LukeaTron

If you used non Honda fluid, there's a good chance the seals are now messed up and will be degrading. Something about not being chemically compatible.

PittIsIt

I HAVE THIS PROBLEM TOO, remember, Luke!?

LukeaTron

Did you ever get anywhere with it?

gkkitag

Yup - they used the correct Honda fluid.

gkkitag

Hmm, okay.

PittIsIt

no. taking it in for A1 service tomorrow - 48k mi now on the 06 MT. Last time they didnt hear it, i'm hearing it more often but still only about 5 times a week and at very slow speeds.

UGH. Will let you know if techs say anything (probably not) but i'm worried as warranty is almost gone-zo.

Thanks

PittIsIt

I complained about it again, and the techs didn't hear it. Neither did I. Only happens when the car has been sitting (overnight 5 hours or more). Then it happens on first 2 or 3 slow speed turns (like pulling out of driveway or parking lot) and then its fine.

Is this worth getting figured out or am i being anal retentive?

240sx acura tech

tell them to put a new orange o-ring in the pump neck. its an up date for the tl's but
works on the tsx as well . or do it yourself , there $1.50.

nbtx

What does the o-ring do that causes noise when it fails?

poltergeist

It's on the suction side of the pump, and when it shrinks (when cold) it allows the pump to suck air into the fluid. The aerated fluid causes the pump to cavitate and make noise.

Has been a good fix for V6 Accords, didn't realize TSX's were having the same problem. Thanks 240sx....

nbtx

Yup, thanks. And I detect a crappy design here... if indeed it's cold-related.
However, if non-Honda fluid causes deterioration - well that's another story.

STL

Has anyone tried this? If so, please report back to let us know if it worked (or didn't).