2004 TSX. 5700 miles.

Starter hearing whine under hood, which grew to "obvious problem" level in less than a day. No fluid leaks on garage floor. Steering fluid WAY down. Since we know steering fluid doesnt get used up, brought it to the dealer. Apparently the rack was leaking fluid, which due to it's location leaked onto something else before hitting the engine and vaporizing. So it is unknown how long it has been going on.

Dealer is replacing entire rack. Should take a few days to get parts and do the work. I'm concerned that the PS pump got damaged by pumping low amounts of fluid, but cranky service advisor says no. I think he's way wrong, and have a good idea that a few years from now I'll be replacing that pump. If it was whining, it means to me that the low fluid level had an effect on it. I've replaced oil pumps for less wear and tear than that on other cars......

BTW: sercie advisor said he had seen a few of these before, so hopefully if any of you start hearing that whine and there is even the slightest change in your steering, check the fluid and keep and eye on it.

 

Whoa!...thanks for the warning.
Sorry about your problem. Hope you get everything resolved.
If you want them to give you a new pump just remove some of the fluid right before you pull into the dealership and be like "hey!" it's sitll losing fluid. lol
Maybe they will try swithcing out the pump in order to troubleshoot. lol

 

hmm...i hear a hissing sound when turning my steering wheel at low speed > 15mph...wonder if this could be related...i checked my PS fluid and it's at normal level too...