Furuoka

My wife drives a 2004 Accord V6 4dr Auto w/ approx. 55k miles. About a week ago we started hearing a whining noise at idle which is linked to engine rpm up and down. It sounds to me like its the power steering pump just doing its job but it is definatlely louder than normal. I checked the fluid level and it is fine. I checked the belt tension on the alternator/power steering pump and they are fine. I have not had the car worked on or serviced at all just regular oil changes. Where should I start?

PS. the noise is not realted to the stereo or the addition of FI of any sort.


Modified by Furuoka at 4:52 AM 3/15/2008

Shiftyshadee

Most likely this is an internal problem with your alternator.

Belt tension will appear fine and no external evidence will be visible, but I would suggest checking for the noise in the alternator.

Furuoka

I suspected alternator also but how would I go about checking it? Would it loose voltage output or just make noise until it went out? Sad that with 55k I'm having these issues. Car is bone stock no aftermaket draw on the alternator. Thanks!!

Shiftyshadee

Unfortunately its just something that happens from time to time with accord alternators.

I work at a dealership here in MI and we use a stethoscope to listen to the inside of the alternator.

You can even use a screwdriver or socket wrench extension. Touch it to the alternator case and then put it to your ear(while its running, so be very careful).

Furuoka

Then I am assuming you would hear the whine? I dont have the car in front of me but is there any way to disconnect the alternator belt and start the car (while just running off the battery) and just double check before I go to car-part.com and get another alternator? Thanks again!

Chiovnidca

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Furuoka &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> is there any way to disconnect the alternator belt and start the car (while just running off the battery) and just double check </TD></TR></TABLE>
Sure, but it's easier to just listen to it like stated above.

delphi alternators suck!!!

dtapia

power steering pump are very common in the v6 accord and 04 tl's and mdx's
is the fluid very dirty ? your local honda dealer probally has them in stock i know at acura we do a lot of p/s pumps they make that nice high pitch whine/growel.have not seen to many alt with the noise you are talking about.

Furuoka

Well I thought it was the alternator because the car was sluggish on start and it sounded like the battery was not getting fully charged. The other day the car died and would not start so then I was sure it was the alternator. So I changed out the alternator with a reman from autozone $79 (lol the dealer wanted $1040!!). Turns out that was not the problem, still making the sound. Now I still just have a dead battery and the sound.

My question is should i just live with the sound until the power steering pump actually goes out, everything works just fine right now, just that annoying supercharger like sound, or could it ruin anything by letting it go?

Furuoka

oh yeah and the ps fluid did look a little dark.

95Gee20Tee

Does it vary when turning the steering wheel? I just picked up a '94 with a bad pump - whining and spitting out fluid when filled. THe whining varies with the steering while parked.

Note: make sure you only use Honda type power steering fluid.

Furuoka

I just got done changing the power steering pump but the noise is still there. I did not flush the fluid (dont know how yet) so the fluid is still dirty. Any suggestions. I used the factory pump and Honda fluids.

BLKFLSH

There is a Technical Service Bulliten on this. Darn it I can't give you a link. Basically it says that the o-ring in the inlet connection is leaking. Try doing a search for TSB 07-086 Power steering moans or whines.






Modified by BLKFLSH at 11:32 PM 3/14/2008

Furuoka

Nice! Great find. Found it here.

http://www.driveaccord.net/for...08563

Furuoka

Damn it. Just thougth of something. The oring specified in that TSB would have been part of the new pump. I hope I just need to jack up the car and try to get the rest of the fluid out of the tank. Cause the last option would be to take it in. NOOO!!!!

Chiovnidca

So is the noise coming from the pump or are you just throwing parts at it?

Furuoka

As far as i can tell it is coming from the pump. The other telling symptom is the ultra dark fluid which smells burnt.

Chiovnidca

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Furuoka &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As far as i can tell it is coming from the pump. The other telling symptom is the ultra dark fluid which smells burnt.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Did you use a stethoscope or screwdriver to listen? You replaced the pump and it still has the same noise? What does that tell you?

Furuoka

Problem solved. It ended up being the tensioner pully. Still no explanation for the black power steering fluid.

stylett9

what exactly did you have to do to the tension pully to fix this problem? My girfriends car is having the same problem. The mechanics already charged me for an alternator replacement and now they want to charge me a power steering pump which is another $320!!