Ok it seems like theres a loud whinning noise coming from the power steering. I checked the fluid and its really low also i have been smelling this burnt smell coming from the engine....oh yeah the power steering fluid is boiling??? so I think maybe the fluid is leaking causing the burnt smell and maybe the fluid being low is making the whinning noise, maybe one of you could help out in finding the solution before i take it to the shop.

 

First if the fluid is low, add some & hope the pump isn't trash. There's a leak if the fluid is that low. Did you inspect the lines, etc.? Are there any puddles under the car?

 

It's not boiling...those are air bubbles getting churned around because your fluid is low.

 

I had my timing belt replaced, unfortunately the power steering starting acting up. Power steering moaned and vibrated when turning and the fluid in reservoir was foaming out. Found a TSB for 3rd generation TL that addressed this issue. Fix was to replace o-ring on hose from pump to reservoir. PN for o-ring is same for 1999. Here is link to TSB :

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b07-060.pdf

I understand the power steering pump is sensitive when working around it and o-ring unseats and allows air into line.

 

Problems with PS pumps after doing a timing belt change are usually related to improper re-tightening of the PS pump belt, causing a problem with the pulley bearing. The PS pump belt is obviously removed when doing a timing belt job, and when the PS pump belt is re-installed, it is often overtightened, putting undo pressure on the pulley bearing.

To avoid this, it is a good idea to either count the number of exposed threads on the tightening bolt, or measure the exposed length, and re-tighten to those measurements when re-installing the belt. I hope that makes sense.

 

Always tighten the belt to the loose side, you can always tighten it a little more if it squeals. If you start off to tight it will be too late and will be replacing at minimum the bearings, most likely the pump.

 

My pump was whining a ton every time I would rev the engine and turn the wheels. This happened right after I did the timing belt and water pump job. So I replaced this gasket and the gasket that fits around the high pressure hose and the suction pipe that is coming out of the reservoir and I drove like this for about 250 miles before I completed the job. There used to also be a bunch of bubbles in the power steering liquid in the reservoir which indicated an air leak and now that and the noise is completely gone! Thanks a ton to ACURAZINE!!