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I need some advise about power steering noise turning the wheel back and forth or on turns. The sound changes pitch upon acceleration. When you put the wheels up on jack stands the groaning stops. I was told that the rack’s bad, but don’t find anything on that being a rack symptom, only a pump or fluid issue. I’ve changed out the pump (with a used one) and fluid and refilled it 3 times as it stated with no success. I’ve also been told it can be a pressure hose issue as well. Never heard of that causing it. It only does this on warm up. When it cold it’s quiet for a few minutes. My Mom’s 2003 L200 does the same thing. I find nothing on it online. Thanks for any help resolving this mystery.
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A little noise from the pump is normal. If there is abnormal noise make sure there are no leaks. Do you need to top off the reservoir regularly?
FWIW Groaning can be air in the system. After you replace the pump you should bleed it by having the front end off the ground and turning the wheel from one side to another as far as it can go for several minutes.
Also, while this is not a Honda, There are certain model of Hondas there are some that start groaning and need an O-ring replaced because it lets in air. Did you replace the O-rings when you replaced the pump?
Good luck
-Karl
Yes I did (the fluid). The sound appears to be coming from the pump and you can feel it in the wheel while turning it. It’s loud enough to hear it outside but actually is louder in the engine compartment. This is abnormal noise. My Fords always had a little noise but not this bad. The steering is also harder when it does this. Appears to also be intermittent, more present than not tho. Hope this gives a better explanation. I’ve also read something about pressure hose ware or routing that I mentioned above may be the cause by a mechanic. A new tuned hose is the fix. I’m debating trying that, they’re around $58. I’m just wondering if a rack is worth the chance as well. Thanks again.
Yep (O-ring). Don’t know where to turn at this point. I could spend tons of $$ and get nothing. No idea. Drive it like it is I guess. I would think it also would take a toll on my gas mileage too.
FWIW A quick test of air in the system is that the fluid in the PS Steering fluid reservoir will be very frothy when turning the wheel and groaning..
-Karl
It may not be the power steering at all. It may be the front struts, especially as you say it doesn’t make the noise when it is off the wheels. The inner part of the struts turns inside the outer part, and this could be the source of your noise. Another possibility is idler pulley bearing or steering pump bearing. Did you use the same pulley/bearing with the new (used) pump? Maybe the pump you put in has the same issue?
My guess would be that the used pump was just another bad pump. Here’s a video showing Eric trying to deal with a bad steering pump.
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