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Have you replaced the O-ring before on the steering pump? when this happens check the fluid reservoir if it's foamy . Check the level of the steering fluid too. Be sure you only use Honda PS fluid.
Dealer replaced it under warranty about 7 yrs ago. Sounds like it needs to be replaced again. I will check for foam.Have you replaced the O-ring before on the steering pump? when this happens check the fluid reservoir if it's foamy . Check the level of the steering fluid too. Be sure you only use Honda PS fluid.
In my case I'm pretty sure it's the O-ring. They're .88 cents at the dealer. I'll pick one up on Friday and install it.I had this problem one time on my 2008. It was simply that the fluid was low, and needed to be topped up. there was also foaming in the fluid.. which with low fluid was no surprise. No leak, found.. just some fluid lost over time. Supposed to be checked and topped at each oil change, so I attribute it to lazy service staff.
Note: the other symptom in my case, was steering pulled a bit to the right too.. probably something to do with foaming and air in the power steering causing some imbalance in the power steering. As soon as the fluid was topped up.. both the steering pull and the whine from the power steering cleared up almost immediately.
I would suggest that you also check the return hose for cracks. It’ll not leak as it’s suction in the hose not pressure.I posted about a whine last year, after my first yearly trip out west. This summer, I've replaced the water pump, belt tensioner and alternator (for other reasons), and the whine remained. That leaves only the power steering pump, or some sort of engine failure. I replaced both o-rings on the steering pump but it made no difference. I get a slight number of bubbles in the fluid when it's running, even after replacing the o-rings.
Now here's the weird thing. I'm back from another 5,000+ mile trip, and the whine is gone. I don't know what the deal is! I was prepared to just get a remanufactured pump from the dealer (I haven't seen many good reviews of aftermarket pumps), and now it's quiet again. I haven't looked to see if I still have a few bubbles in the pump. There is some very slight seepage of fluid around the gasket, so I'm still debating either replacing the pump, or disassembling it myself, replacing the gasket, and the bearing(s) inside.
Interesting--I'll give that a try also. Thanks! That might explain the few bubbles I have. (There are not many, but there might just be enough to cause a problem.) It is silent for now, but I do not expect that to last.I would suggest that you also check the return hose for cracks. It’ll not leak as it’s suction in the hose not pressure.
I certainly understand your frustrations.Same here. I'm so fed up with all the problems with both of our '09s that I'm shopping. Given that Honda has so many problems on their recent models (especially the current-gen V--this forum is full of numerous common issues!), we're shopping Subaru or maybe Toyota if I decide to get a 4Runner. I was leaning towards a current gen Pilot or MDX but those are problematic as well. Think I'm done with Honda. They effed up in quality.