Hello H-T!

I just finished putting on a new timing belt, water pump and a whole bunch of other work while I had the timing belt off. The last one sheered some teeth.

The fluid in the power steering system was pretty dark when I drained some out. I didn't fully drain the system but was a bit low after I removed some of the fluid from the reservoir. When we were finished I added some extra power steering fluid into the it to top it off but it was non-Honda brand fluid.

Since we started the car, the power steering pump has been making a high pitched screeching noise. I've tried to bleed it like the book states by moving the wheel back and forth from stop to stop, plus rock it at the end.

The other thing is there is absolutely no power steering to speak of while driving the car. It's pretty much driving manually at this point and has been since I started it.

I've checked for leaks, kinks, etc. but can't come up with any damage so far. The fluid levels haven't dropped much.

I'm reading a bit about a recall for an O-Ring in other Honda's. Also, I've read that if I mix an off brand power steering fluid with Honda brand it can cause issues.

I'm looking for others thoughts on what it might be or if you have had this same thing happen, any insight is helpful!!

Thank you!

 

High screeching noise is usually a result of a loose belt. Check and make sure your belts are tight.

 

We've checked and double checked all of the belts.

We used a stethiscope to pin-point it to the pump itself. I just want to exhaust all options before I pay out $140 for the new pump lol.

 

So it was fine before you did all that? I would change the fluid you put in and try some honda brand.

 

Yeah, it had not had any issues. That was the weird part, it worked before and I never disconnected anything other than the reservoir hose, but capped that on the pump.

I'll go to Lynnwood Honda tomorrow during my lunch and pick some new fluid up. That's probably the best place to start.

Thanks for the help!