GreenMM

Hi all.

I had a pretty severe PS leak that I fixed several months ago with a "B" pipe replacement.
There had always been a very faint squeal since I bought the car with 200K miles 2 years ago.
The squeal got very loud and groaning horribly alerting me to the PS pump being almost empty of fluid. (fixed that).

I only filled the PS pump to the 'low' level and it's stayed exactly there for the past 6 months or so and has not changed (good).

Question: is PS fluid at precisely the 'low' level on the indicator a cause to hear a minor squeal from the PS pump especially on cold startups?
It will sometimes continue for entire drive, sometimes it settles down and might go away.

Other than that the car steers properly, no tugging at the wheel or any odd behaviors like when it was very very low on fluid.
The sounds seems to be coming from that area or the serpentine belt, but it's not the typical (loose) belt squeal noise so I'm near certain it's not the belt.
of course right now I have a significant oil leak near that area I'm trying to solve although the belt looks dry.

GreenMM

Here's a video I just posted on Youtube of the squeak. And also the difference of the car cold / warm and then running on only 3 cylinders as well.
video:

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

add fluid!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

that sounds like something rotating, either that pulley...or the belt is rubbing against something....

and you should fill your PS fluid to the full mark so not to let in any air.

GreenMM

ok thanks guys!!
I will def. do that next - add fluid to 'full' and see if that makes it go away.
I've not seen any bubbles in fluid after replacing that PS metal 'B pipe' last fall. But it was always at 'low' mark.

I also have that mystery oil leak. I am now thinking it's coming from the crank pulley area - I guess that's the 'front seal' (?) Not sure if that could be related.
But the squeak has been with me since I got the car two years ago at 200K and well before I was leaking lots of oil.
I also have no idea if the PCV valve has ever been replaced on the car - it may never have been.
I should also look into that as well (216K miles)

thoiboi

why haven't you added more PS fluid...


Typically, squeals on startup is a belt issue though

GreenMM

It doesn't sound to me like a typical belt squeal though. Belt is not loose. Looks decent. It's been changed at least once.
I may have to change it out anyway if I pull the crank pulley bolt out to check the oil seal there.

I hadn't added fluid as I only bought two bottles and that filled it right to 'low' line and been busy enough I've not had almost any opportunity to get to Honda dealer during open hrs. Poor logic and excuse, I agree. Thanks for you 3 getting on me to bother to get more fluid. I will.

And it can squeak away in the colder months for 500 miles on the highway (been there, done that). Keep that very high pitch squeak. It's annoying.
It usually sticks around and does NOT go away when warm.

thoiboi

may be the tension on it as well. adjust tension properly

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

that's cuz it's not a squeal or a squeak! sounds like something rubbing, as it rotates..
so first suspect is belt, then pulley.
pull off the serpentine belt and see if noise is still present.

GreenMM

Could that be something in the crank area? Like shot bearings? Or shot bearings in the PS pump?
Engine and chirp is so loud I cannot easily say it's coming from either source.
Maybe I should try the mechanic's screwdriver tip to item to ear 'stethoscope' trick next.


Hmmm... now I think about it... I did do this with my friend back in the fall. And we both fingered the PS pump as the definite noise culprit. Of course, it was much louder then, having lost the majority of it's fluid before I discovered the sneaky leaky small hole in the metal 'B pipe' down there.
But I will do that next to see if it's making this smaller one.

thoiboi

yeah one of your bearings is bad, can't say which one from the video, check them all on the tensioner and pulleys

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i would pull the serpentine belt off to eliminate where it's coming from.
the drive belt drives A/C, and two pulleys and PS pump.

GreenMM

Serpentine belt was done at 110K
Oh and sorry, also forgot to mention my A/C stopped working soon after buying the car (at 200k miles). I had tested it in the winter, it worked. Later in the hot months when I went to use it, it did not work.
So I can't say for sure that's not related as well.
Lots of things to look into...

thoiboi

serpentine done at 110 but you're at 216k....

GreenMM

Righto!
Yes, seems a bit long for an interval. I'm grateful my friend kept such a complete maintenance folder.
That's a need to do item now.