I have an intermittent whining noise, usually in 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear. Comes and goes. Can hear it when accelerating and changes with gear change. Sometimes it's noticeable at deceleration. I think my PS pump is on it's way out. Could that be it or does it sound like a tranny issue? Please advise...

2001 CL S-Type

 

Took to transmission guy and he said he thinks its the power steering pump on its last legs. Anyone experienced this noise?

 

PS pump would be bad if you just sat there and turned the wheel you would hear it whining. do you?

 

This is a different sound than the normal ps moan. It's more high-pitched and comes and goes.

 

record the sound and post it on youtube!

 

My transmission guy (who was rebuilding my trans) indicated whining is also a sound the trans can make prior to quitting...

 

I think I also have a whiny PS pump, but it's been better now that I did a few suck-n-fills of the reservoir with Honda PSF. It's also better when hot, noisier when cold.
But ON TOP of that whine I also have a bit of a very faint 'coffee grinder' sound, I guess from the torque converter...?

 

Hondas and Acuras have an o-ring seal on the PS pump inlet that may leak air causing whining, especially when colder out.
Known problem, and replacement o-rings are available, cheap and easy to install.

 

does the car do it at idle? if it increases with speed it could also be a wheel bearing. I had one crap out at 90K and it sounded like it was differential whine... replaced left front and noise was gone.

 

That actually makes sense! Thanks!

 

Replaced wheel bearing and the noise is still there. Drive shaft bearing? Can CV axle shaft make whirring/whining noise through gears? Differential bearing? Anyone?

 

Describe the noise better! Does it ever happen in Park?
Do you have fresh PS fluid and fresh ATF?

 

Never in park. Not PS Pump. New ATF. Sounds like whirring/whining possibly metal on metal. Seems to significantly quiet down in 4th or 5th. Intermediate noise that comes and goes.

 

Could it be due a worn out motor or transmission mount?

 

I don't think so. Tested again earlier and the noise does go away when I kick it into neutral. If that helps anyone figure it out...

 

I get a very faint "coffee grinder" type noise depending on the drivetrain loading, which I assume is the torque converter wearing out...