A couple days ago the output line from the reservoir to the P/S pump began to deteriorate and leak fluid. I noticed a whining noise from under my hood which prompted me to open the hood observe the leak and narrow the noise down to the P/S pump. At the same time I also noticed air bubbles in the P/S reservoir. I replaced both the input and output lines from the P/S pump and the noise continues from the P/S pump and the air bubbles remain in the reservoir. The noise does go away after the car has been driven around a little but yet can be heard slightly at lower speeds.

I have attempted to bleed the lines by jacking the car up and moving the steering wheel from far left to right and then back again, repeating this process several times. No air bubbles are noticed during this procedure, but there is a slight increase in fluid when I get to the far right or left, but nothing in between.

Does anyone have any suggestions or help?

P.S. I have attempted to search but the search feature is down.

 

is the p/s reservoir filled correctly? what does the noise sound like?

 

First of all, if you put anything other than Honda power steering oil in there, you are going to ruin that pump, anything else is too thick and will blow the pump up. Unless it is designed for a HONDA power steering pump, DO NOT USE IT.

Pull the return line from the rack, connect a rubber line to an empty bucket, and start the engine, turn the rack from lock to lock quickly, and then turn it off. Refill and bleed the system if you put the wrong oil in it.

Cavitation points to the wrong oil, and the pump has sufficient force to cavitate, therefore the pump should be fine. Depends on how long you've let it run like that.

 

i used honda power steering fluid, and that is all that has ever been the system. The noise kinda reminds me of the same noise (a whining or reeling type noise) you hear when you are reversing. Except I am going forward and either turning the wheel right or left.

 

ill say jus keep tryin to bleed the system if not it mite be time buy a new p/s pump

 

if I wanted to re-bleed the entire system and start over, what exactly is the proper procedure to bleed the system?

 

If the noise is just a prominent when cold as it is hot, more than likely the pump is worn out. If you have the right oil in it there shouldn't be a problem. The only other cause that comes to mind is the differential valve in the rack. This valve, if out of adjustment, will narrow the passages for the oil to flow, causing the pump to load up, and whine, similar in nature to a hydraulic piston. If this is the case, better off buying another rack.

 

the noise seems to have gone away, now the only thing is the air bubbles in the reservoir. I have tried to bleed the air out of the system by jacking the car up and turning the wheel from lock to lock, both with the motor running and without the motor running. Am I doing something wrong? What else can I do to get the air out? Would it help to drain as much of the fluid out and start over?

 

I posted the procedure to completely empty the system, just follow that, it can be kinda messy, but it is in the factory service manual.

It can take a few times to bleed it out. Drive it for a day or so, and see what happens, a few air bubbles wont hurt, starving the pump will.