Power Steering Pump Whine When Cold...

[Darrel]

My PS pump whines on cold mornings when first starting the car. It goes away after about 10 seconds. It only does this in the cold weather, never in the summer. Any ideas on how to remedy? I'm guessing it's one of 3 areas, a new pump, new fluid, or bleeding the systm, but I thought I'd check with the knowledgable folks here at HADA first. Thanks!

[mxqisit]

Check the fluid level. My Sentra had a constant leak in the rack, I had to fill up every few days. When the level was low, you knew by the whine.

FWIW: The Lucas "stop-leak" stuff slowed the leak, but didn't stop it.

[KeithC]

What Ryan said...my TSX does the same thing when cold.

Most likely the fluid level.

Also...if you've put lots of Lucas Stop Leak in it (like I did) the fluid will thicken in cold weather and the pump won't be able to push it through until it warms up. If this is the case, get a turkey baster from the $ store and drain half the reservoir and top it up with PS fluid.

[TAO]

If you do top up or replace the fluid, make sure it is Honda OE, or a Honda OE replacement.

Honda uses specific friction modifiers / lubricants in there fluid ... generic PS fluid does not have this.


Andrew

[KeithC]

Oh right..forgot that. Bardahl's is available at Canadian Tire and make a specific fluid for Honda and Acura.

[Darrel]

You know, I never thanked everyone for responded. Please accept my "Thanks" for everyone's input. I also wanted everyone to know it's been fixed. Yay!

To cure it I did 2 things, I replaced the filthy PS reservoir with a brand new one from the dealer (~$20) and I flushed the system with new/clean Honda PS fluid. Now it's quiet as a church mouse when the engine starts on a cold morning, and that makes me happy.

[KeithC]

Hmmm...Maybe I should try that on mine!