Hello I have a 1990 HONDA ACCORD AUTOMATIC recently turned 190,000 miles I just started to realize that at idle only when turning the steering wheel left it makes this whirring/whining sound I don't understand it because turning the steering wheel to the right is sound free the fluids are above the full mark and the power steering fluid seems to be in good condition no leaks or anything but what could make the whirring/whining sound when turning the wheel left only at idle? When the rpm's are raised to park to about 1.2k+ and turn the steering wheel to the left it doesn't happen. What could be the problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you in advanced.

 

My parent's car with 220k miles does the same thing, in for the answer.

 

could just be a loose belt...over time belts stretch and may need retightening

along the longest side of the power steering belt, in the middle of that side, grab the belt and try to twist it with your thumb and index finger, you should only be able to twist it 90 degrees..if it twists more just tighten it up

 

could be that could be a slight internal leak in the steering gear rack housing. it only happens when turning to the left.?
im intrigued to find a "how steering racks operate internally" video or something.
I would think that when you turn to the left, the shortest part of the rack where your inner tie rods hook to is now really close to the gear that comes from your steering column and that gear finds the end of the rack teeth in turn overloading the power steering pump?
whereas when you turn the other way there is still plenty of teeth for the gear to travel down not stressing it.
thats what I put together in my little mind. again I would like to learn more as well on this subject. I don't know, this is just an idea.

 

REbuild/replace your power steering pump maybe?