Had the '00 for 8 months now. All is well, for the mos part. I've kept up the maintenance the best I can. However, I noticed a while back that it makes a whining sound, especially when it's cold outside (20-something ° this morning, for example). When I first start the car, I get a terrible grinding/whining type sound. It goes away after 3-5 seconds.

I've looked into it, and based on other posts, it seems that the o-ring is almost always the culprit. However, is there anything else to consider, just in case? I don't have any problems with the steering, and the sound doesn't change with steering. I'm banking on the o-ring, but not sure what else I should expect if that isn't actually the issue, for whatever reason.

Also on really cold mornings, the car makes other less prominent noises while it warms up. Once it's good and warm, it's quiet as can be, as it always has been. Is that normal with these? I always let the car warm up for 10-15 minutes in cold weather, since it drives and sounds so much better at operating temp as opposed to starting and immediately driving off.

One other question. I registered my car with the VIN at the Acura site yesterday. When I visited the recalls page, it listed "Current Recalls", and it showed the common transmission recall, and it said "Status: Fixed". Does that mean it's been fixed on my TL, or does that mean "there is a known fix for this recall"? I'm willing to bet it was originally replaced under warranty, simply because I'm pushing close to 200K and the transmission is great.

 

Are ya sure that the "grinding & whining" is originating from the PS ?
How does the fluid condition and level appear ? Any evidence of leakage ?
It's always good PM to flush & replace the PS fluid periodically with Honda fluid.

The tranny recall was probably the addition of a "jet kit" to help cool the gears.
Look for a hose and hardware at the top fill bolt of the tranny, that's the jet kit.
Also check up underneath the tranny for "blue" mounting bolts = replaced tranny.

 

Well, it sounds just like other vehicles I've seen when they're low on P/S fluid. When you turn the wheel, and it whines. It sounds a lot like that, but louder. So I couldn't imagine it being much of anything else, but I'm also very new to diagnosing issues with engines and their components. I know last time I looked at the fluid, it was bubbling on top in the reservoir, which I've read is a sign of air (makes sense, of course) and typically is a bad o-ring. When it's not terribly cold out, it still whines quite a bit when I start it up, just not near as loud.

As far as power steering leaks. I'm not sure? I've never really thought to check for leaks.

For the tranny, I'll check those. Thank you.

 

For all the more effort and expense involved, just replace the PS pump's O-rings and fluid. Worth a try !

 

May try it this afternoon if possible. I need to get it done ASAP. It's a terrible sound, and I'm hoping that'll fix it.

 

Forgot to mention about checking the pump's drive belt condition and tension.
This belt shouldn't be over-tightened. Try spraying some belt dressing on it.

 

I'll look at that, too. Any way to check the tension by hand? I didn't even think about the belt.

 

Where are the mounting bolts for the tranny? I don't have the oil jet kit. And I didn't see any blue bolts underneath right away. Maybe didn't look at the right ones?

 

press on the ps belt by hand- it needs about 1/2 inch depression iirc
Experts on ps adjustment??? little help!

Do not apply a dressing to the belt- if its bad it needs a new one
There is a belt tensioner bearing that can wail in there - not a good thing

and the pump bearing can go- run low on fluid and an oring/air leak are not things the pump enjoys

Have you invested the 5 dollars in a mechanics stethoscope?
finds noises fast!

do not warm the car 15 minutes - that's really hard on it and counterproductive to your goal! after 1-2 minutes in really cold areas- drive- that warms the engine and cat faster= heat where you need it

See the Owner Manual that you downloaded from Acura Owners Site | Exclusive Knowledge, Service, & Benefits
for details on the proper warm up, seat heat use and much more

 

the trans and engine connect in the middle of the engine bay
Blue paint on bolt heads of the big bolts there or small bolts attaching brackets to the trans are also painted blue, These can be see on the top- just open the hood.
Its obvious if paint is present and means the trans was replaced by acura with a warranty unit- a few reasons for that.

did you find a large bolt head- ~21mm with ATF stamped on it? on top of trans

or where there would be a filler hole like that- instead is a small black hose and some strange part- held in by a 10mm bolt on the side?
that would be the recall installed oil jet kit, making it Fixed or more accurately- job completed- on your acura account

 

All good tips !
The reason for spraying belt dressing on the pump's belt was primarily to temporarily silence any noises which may be originating from a worn or misaligned belt. If that silenced things, a new belt or pulley may be in order.

 

Looking in the engine bay does in fact have many blue bolts on top of the transmission. I thought those would be the "replaced tranny" bolts. And yes, the "ATF" filler bolt is there -- no oil jet kit.

 

Also, the belt appears to have proper tension. I did the hand check as mentioned.

 

good news! You have whats called a post 2005 new trans case design/rebuilt trans with oil jet kit moved inside!
It has better cooling oil flow to certain parts

ok 3,2 I can see using a belt dressing for diagnostics--ONLY
I have seen people in the past-and present-with screaming ps belts in a parking lot
Their motto is : Must be time for more of this ez-quiet stuff on demdang belts
AND where's that can of `guaranteed to pass smog`???

 

Haha. Thanks for the info.

I haven't isolated the noise yet. But I lied. It does change the noise a bit when I turn the steering wheel. The noise disappears almost entirely when the car warms up, but still has a sound to it.

I'm gonna hopefully replace the o-ring this weekend. I'll post an update when done.