Hi all! First off I have done a search for this but it seems with everyone else it's when it's cold or only when turning the wheel. I have a 95 civic with z6 and the power steering makes the whining or whirling sound almost like a supercharger is what it sounds like to me. Fluid is full and there is no leaks and steering feels smooth from lock to lock. Just not sure what could be doing this? Any help would be great because the sound gets a little annoying at times. Thanks!

 

Have you jacked the car up and tried to replicate the noise with the wheels off the ground?

 

Yeah it does it no matter what sitting still not touching the wheel it gets louder when you rev like it changes with the rpm of the car.

 

So it makes this sound regardless of movement, as in even when stationary with the engine running it makes this whining noise? What makes you think its a problem with the power steering? That wasn't supposed to be a dick question either, serious question because it doesn't sound like it has to do with power steering to me but I'm just curious.

 

it sounds like the pump is worn, has a lot of bubbles in the system, or something is interrupting the flow through the system. based on age im going with worn out pump.

 

Pretty much where I was going. There is probably an issue with a belt or pulley. Take each belt off (power steering and alternator) one at a time and see if the noise goes away. Then you might be able to at least isolate your problem a little better.

 

Okay cool I'll be replacing a lot of seals and gaskets and such this week so when I do the front main seal I'll do that and see what happens.

 

The only thing you will ever need to do to a power steering pump is swap in an oring rebuild kit and/or a new bearing.

It's really easy to swap out the seals. The kit is like $20. Keep in mind the pulley bolt is reverse threaded.

 

Where can I buy the kit? Auto parts store or Honda dealer?

 

any auto parts store will sell the kit and will work fine

this isn't something you need to buy from Honda

 

Okay awesome I'll verify the noise this week and go from there thanks for the help!

 

No problem, just get a spanner wrench to hold the pulley, remove it by going clockwise. Then as you take it apart, just compare any oring in the pump to what you got in the kit and swap em. Really easy. When you're done and got it back together, add a very small dab of thread lock to the threads of the bolt and torque it back done to spec.

Make sure to dab each oring in power steering fluid before putting it on.

 

Got it I'll be sure to try and post the results

 

Guess it's not the power steering after all. Not really sure what it is yet but when the hood is up and I rev the engine I cannot hear it but when I'm sitting in the car and rev it I can here the sound. Must be some type of exhaust leak or transmission noise. Haven't gotten to do the front main seal yet so I haven't had a chance to pull off each belt and listen.