Newbie here. My '03 Accord has been making a moaning sound recently when started - maybe the past month or so. It moans while it idles and gets louder if I make a turn. Once the engine warms up, the sounds stop completely.

Yesterday, I got the usual sounds, made about 6 right turns to get out of a parking garage (with the usual moaning). When I made a right to turn out onto the street, the steering wheel became very hard to turn. I made another right and then left into a parking lot (very stiff steering wheel, still), thinking I had a flat. No flat, so I sat there and let it warm up for awhile and it was fine all the way home

This morning, when started, it was screeching like a banshee while idling. I let it warm up before leaving and it was fine after that.

I thought timing belt - but I've read mine has a chain (4cyl). Power steering? But it makes noise when idling. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like the power steering pump is going bad. Do you have enough fluid? When was the last time you replaced the fluid? It should be replaced every 60K miles or when it goes bad.

 

Absolutely power steering. First check belt for proper tension and wear. Next check tensioner. Top off fluid. If all else fails replace the pump.