Ag3ntSm1th

I bought this car about 4 weeks ago in California and drove it to Utah. Ever since its been getting cold, the engine makes a high pitched noise until it's warm. Here's what it sounds like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go1LZRmsDgk

Turning the A/C-heat off doesn't change anything, however when I turn the steering wheel that does change the pitch of the noise. Any idea what this could be?

creator1322

It's NOT a belt issue, it's a

POWER STEERING ISSUE:

Your power steering might need some fluid which is the Orange cap in the video.

Power steering pump may need servicing.

Take it and have it flushed in case someone put the wrong fluid in it at some point.

Ag3ntSm1th

I just checked and sure enough the power steering fluid is almost empty. I'm assuming something from Autozone should suffice, or do I need to order specialty stuff from Honda?

BLKFLSH

This is probably your problem.

creator1322

Use ONLY Honda power steering fluid available from your local dealer.

Ag3ntSm1th

I took that service announcement to my Honda dealer this morning and this afternoon they informed me that the 'entire power steering column' is shot. I can't remember the exact wording, but he said it'd be about $1300.00 to replace. I'm not sure how that goes out on a car with $66,000 miles, but so far this car is costing me more in maintenance than my Audi did :/

In any case, I really appreciate everyones help diagnosing problems with my car.

PowerUser

Ouch! Honda dealers are a pricey bunch. See if you can find a local honda shop that has been servicing hondas for many years and take your car there. Make sure they use OEM Parts/Fluids though!

exl

Yes, I agree that Honda dealer is a pricey bunch.

AresROC

That's not a very helpful diagnostic.

I have the same issue with an 05' Accord V6 and 49,999 miles.

More than likely it's the $1 o-ring that needs replacing, or ~$100 high pressure power steering line. If the power steering pump is worn out, that's another ~$100 in parts.

I would ask them to pin-point the failure, rather than just "the whole system is shot". At least get your $100 worth of diagnostic fee and then seek a 2nd opinion.

-AresROC

96, 00, 01, 05 Accords

PreStaged12s

I wanted to bring up what I found out was the problem, cause my wife's car was having the same issue. It is the idler pulley for the serp. belt. I thought it was the power steering pump, replaced the pump, still had the noise, ended up replacing the pulley and the noise is gone now. Only thing is its a pain in the *** to do because the bolt for the pulley is long. I had a friend that works at a Toyota dealership help me do it, had to unbolt passenger side motor mount to drop the motor enough to pull the bolt out and replace the pulley. Hope this helps, brought this back from the dead.