I hope someone here can help me figure out a noise I'm hearing in my 2001 Acura MDX.  While the engine is running and I turn the wheel, I hear a pretty loud whirring sound.  The only way I can describe it is that is sounds a noise power steering makes. But why it is making it and so loudly, I can't understand.

It is especially loud while stopped and turning the wheel, or moving slowly and turning the wheel.

Any ideas?


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-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

Have you checked the fluid level?  If it is low that could be the cause of the noise. 

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Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

It sounds like a PS pump noise all the way down here!
If the fluid level is correct, chances are the fluid has lost all lubricating properties, and the pump has given up. The pump is a vane type pump, I believe, and they usually last a good while. They do take a dump, tho.
Does it only make the noise while turning the wheel, or can you also hear it without turning? If it is sorta faint until you turn the wheel, then it gets loud the pump is just worn out, or really low on fluid.
Have someone turn the wheel while you look at the hoses(if you can see them)...look to see if the hoses are flexing/bouncing/vibrating. This could indicate a restriction in the hoses, or a problem in the steering rack$$$$$, but it can also indicate a low fluid issue.....check the fluid level first, if ya haven't already done that...


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I took it to my local shop. The couldn't find anything major, so they drained the p/s fluid and refilled with Honda fluid. He told me that Honda/Acuras are really finicky about the fluid type and that only Honda fluids should be used. It isn't making the noise anymore! $28 and it's fixed. That's a relief!

Although we did discover that my hydrolic motor mount is leaking.

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-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

You'll find a LOT of that type of "brand specific" stuff on Honda/Acura vehicles. They want THEIR fluids used, or problems will arise. If your's is an automatic, make sure anyone that services it uses Honda fluid, or it will start shifting hard, and eventually, the clutches will simply disintegrate.

Sounds like your fluid was just used up...it happens. There ain't no such thing as "Lifetime Fill" fluids, no matter WHAT the mfg's say. What they really mean is, once there is a problem, that's the end of that item's life, and it needs to be replaced!! P/S fluid is subjected to a great deal of heat...any hydraulic fluid is when it's under pressure. It's good to change it out every couple of years, just like almost any other automotive lubricant/fluid.
Glad that's all it was!

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"