For some time now - about two years, I hear a squealing/belt-type noise when starting the car during cold weather. The noise increases as I turn the wheels and after I drive it for a bit, the noise goes away.

I read up on this issue, and was wondering which is more likely:
1. Power Steering O-ring - may be the culprit
2. Belt/Pulley related

I got a timing belt done recently and the mechanic would have seen cracks in some of the other belts. Just wondering where a good place to start looking other than replacing the O-ring (which i will probably do soon).

 

First thing I would suspect is not cracked belts, but loose ones...loosen the alternator and power steering pivot bolts, increase the tension on the belt, and tighten the pivot bolts again. I'm not looking at the engine bay right now, so working off of memory here. However, this has been the primary culprit on 75% of Honda cars I have worked on over the past 15 years.

 

I had the same exact thing happened recently. Just had timing belt and new drive belts installed at Honda dealer. I was told the auto tensioner should control the belt. Weather has dropped past week to 40s in the morning. I get the whining noise but it goes away after 10min of driving and warming up. I bought the new O-ring yesterday at the dealer it was like .77 cents. I am going to replace it today to see if it gets rid of the noise.

 

Thanks meinmd - I'll take a better look at the belt situation(s)

blkmz3, let me know how it goes. This could be my issue as well, I have an '04 and never changed the O-ring for the power steering yet.

 

There is a recall for the O ring. Take it to your dealership and have them fix it for free.

 

turns out there is a recall for the power steering feed hose. Not specifically for the O-ring. I was going to do the O-ring today but I read the recall. They replace the hose and the O-ring during the process. I scheduled appointment with dealer as I checked my VIN for the recall and it was not done.

hshaukat, I would call your dealer and do VIN check on recall. If it's not done just bring it in and they will do it free.

 

Do you know which model years are in the recall??

 

do a search on the forums. it's in the TSB section actually. it includes all 04-06 TLs and select 07-08.

 

Thanks for the recall heads up - I took the car in a couple years back to get the power steering recall done. They definitely fixed the hose issue, but not 100% sure if they changed the O-ring, but I'll try to see if I can find out.

 

I had the same issue with my TL last winter and it was the o-ring; just get that replaced and you'll be all set!

You can do it yourself too, there is an excellent tutorial on this site that walks you through it step by step, but if i were you I'd take it to the dealership (if you still have the warranty) or take it to a mechanic and have them change it. It'll cost you around 20-30$.

 

you can tell if it's been changed or not. The old O-ring is black and the new one is dark red/orange color.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I will take a look at the O-ring this weekend.....