I bought my 2001 CL (PREM) a year ago from someone that was going to part it out and decided to save it from certain doom. So after a new tranny, and some minor fixes she's been performing great. Now, I have a whining noise from the power steering pump...so I have installed three separate pumps with no resolution. So I had my mechanic dye test the hydraulic system and we found a leak at one of the bolts in the rack...so after a week of waiting for the new rack, I get a phone call from the mechanic and no leaks but still have the whining noise. (System has been bled) Am I missing any steps? New pump, new rack, used honda power steering fluid, no clogs in lines, does anyone have any ideas?

 

I remember talk not long ago about a whining noise will result from a simple o-ring missing in the pump or in one of the lines at the pump, maybe someone else can chime in.

 

I'll give it a shot on Monday. Thanks for the response. Any others welcome.

 

Usually this happens when the pump is cavitating or sucking air and it normally happens in the suction hose from the reservoir to the pump. And it could be the hose or clamps or it could be the o-ring, too.

 

Yea, I had the whine too. The noise IS coming from the pump. It is caused by the pump trying to move fluid with air bubbles.

The problem is finding where the air is entering. You replaced the pump 3 times? Ouch. Where they new or used?

It might be the inlet O-ring, or the hose clamp from the reservoir to the pump. Very easy fixes.

 

Ordered new hose (reservoir to pump) and (2) new O-rings, just in case I lose one. As soon as I put them in I'll post results.

Thanks Again,
Man on a mission

 

If you use other than honda ps fluid it may whine too

 

Late update sorry. Replacing suction hose, o-rings, and clamp did not solve the problem. Going back to Florida in August. I'll have my Honda mechanic look into : ( Keep anyone interested updated on solution(s).