First off let me just say I wish I would have just left the PS system alone, but nooo. FML! I was getting a whining noise when accelerating, kind of like if my car was supercharged, however I had no bubbles in the power steering reservoir at this point.

Then today I decided to change both O rings on the PS pump, went to the dealer got the 2 o rings, one for the top hose was black, the other for the side/plastic connector was the orange one (I thought they were both supposed to be orange but whatever). So I change both o rings and now I'm getting bubbles in my power steering reservoir and when I turn the wheel I get the whine/moan sound many others have experienced.

What could this be?? Is it air in the system? Some have said it could take a few days for the bubbles/noise to go away but that doesn't seem right. Any info/help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading

 

 

Thanks for the vid, that is exactly what I did, however I changed the upper hose too. I was careful and coated the o rings in oil so I don't think I pinched/damaged them. I already turned the wheel back and forth too however I'm still seeing bubbles and hearing the noise. I will see if maybe I need to do that more, if not, should I replace the plastic inlet part of the hose?

 

What year and trim is your TL?

 

04, automatic, base model I guess...

 

Did you get the recall completed, per TSB 08-016 - Safety Recall: 2004–08 TL Power Steering Feed Hose Leak?

The only other thing applicable is TSB 07-060 - Power Steering Moans or Whines During Cold Start-Up. This is the repair in the YouTube video using the orange O-ring.

 

Yes recall for the PS hose was done. Looking at my PS pump however, it says REMANUFACTURED in America. Wonder if I'll need to overhaul my PS pump... I'll wait a few days to see if the bubbles/noise subside, if not I'll probably overhaul the pump

 

rebuild the PS pump, theres a DIY here on acurazine

 

how many miles?

 

105k... But for some reason my PS pump is a REMAN... will most likely get all the seals and tear it apart myself next week... Is it ok to drive the car with it making bubbles in the reservoir?

And the weird thing is that I didn't see any bubbles in the reservoir before messing with the o rings, I was only getting the supercharger like whine during acceleration. I can't help but think I messed it up somehow

 

its fine to drive

 

Well I don't think its just air that got in the system when I changed the orings. Drove it around all day today, the bubbles are there from when I turn the car on and its cold, and they're still there when its hot. The noise/moan sound of the pump is only noticeable when I turn the steering wheel. Is there a way to be sure it's the pump? I'd rather not take it apart if that's not the issue...

 

Are you certain that you completely and properly *bled* the air from the PS system after replacing the O-rings? the method in the FSM says do it with the engine running, which is a good way to damage the seals. Raise the front of the car so the tires are off the ground, engine OFF, and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock about 20 times to properly bleed the air. This method will work for any car.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=828859

Scroll down to the section:
BLEED THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM

 

I did not do it the way you posted above. I had the engine running and then turned the wheel... If I damaged any seals, which do you think those would be??

 

Well, that is why I described the method recommended by GM, and which I have used several times on my own 09 RDX. When there is already air in the PS system, any force on the system can damage any seal which is not completely covered by fluid (but partly by air). With the engine running, the PS system is fully pressurized. The Acura/ Honda air-bleed method is *stupid* in my opinion - but its probably optimized for quick repair by a Honda mechanic.

Its the fluid which lubricates and protects both the rubber seals and the metal parts from damage. The RDX PS system operates at 1300 pounds per square inch (PSI). Also, old fluid with small wear metals in it can actually wear the aluminum steering rack. So occassionally changing the PS fluid is also recommended.

Not saying that you have damaged any seals - just asking if you have fully bled out any remaining air in the system. Any air in the PS system will cause noise and *bubbles*. Any seal to the atmosphere, not internal seals, can allow the intake of air if it is not sealing completely.

No one can diagnose your PS system over the internet - at best only suggestions can be made, starting with complete air-bleed, followed by looking for any leaks - look on the ground, and inside the boots on the steering arms at each end of the steering rack.

Air bubbles generaly, but not always, indicates a vacuum leak, not a pressure leak. That is, its probably a leak on the *suck* side of the pump, sucking air into the system. You might double check your work on the two seals that you replaced, to verify that any bolts are properly tightened. And until you verify that you have completely bled the system of air, you cannot make any diagnostic progress.

Good luck.

 

I was going to follow this video: