[Wildcat]

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.

 

[Wildcat]

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.

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.

 

[Wildcat]

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.