It’s just like any other day; you wake up early in the morning and get in to your Honda to begin your daily commute to work. You turn a corner, and suddenly you hear a whine, maybe even feel your steering wheel shake. It wasn’t doing this yesterday – what gives!?

This is actually a common and well-known problem with some older Honda models.

Why is my Power Steering Whining?

The majority of the time, your power steering will start to whine due to air being introduced into the lines, typically because of damage to the line, or because of a broken seal in the system. More rarely, if your model is older and hasn’t been serviced in a long time, blockages can occur in the lines due to old power steering fluid decomposing into a sticky residue, weakening fluid pressure and causing whining.

What Are Some Other Problems That Indicate Power Steering Failure in my Honda?

Thankfully, power steering failures are far from subtle, so you’ll be sure to notice any problems that pop up. Be on the look out for:

1. Slow response with little power.

The classic symptom of power steering failure: weak and slow responses from the steering wheel. If you find yourself fighting with your steering wheel during what should be easy turns, something is probably wrong with you power steering.

2. Steering wheel vibrates, especially when turning at specific angles

This is another hard to miss problem. If your steering wheel begins to vibrate or to pulsate at certain angles when turning, that is a sure sign of power steering failure.

3. Leaking power steering fluid

Perhaps the most subtle problem here, although you’ll very quickly notice the effects of fluid leakage. Your power steering system relies on the fluid inside, so a leak is no good. Leaks will typically occur due to a break in the line, however it can also occur as a result of a broken seal.

How do I fix a power steering system that whines?

Power steering whining is a well known problem in certain Honda models, and the most common cause is a faulty o-ring that connects the hose full of power steering fluid to the motor. The o-ring exists to ensure that the power steering system is properly sealed, since its function relies on maintaining a certain hydraulic pressure. Put simply: faulty o-rings will break that seal, and this allows air into your system (not to mention that if air can get in, fluid can get out!). The end result is a wide range of problems, all of which will make driving a hassle at best, and potentially dangerous at worse.

Thankfully, this common problem can be easily diagnosed quickly resolved by a mechanic.

Come have your Honda serviced at Fremont Foreign Auto Repair in Milpitas!

Whatever services your Honda needs, we at Fremont Foreign Auto Repair can provide them. The minute you start to notice power steering whining, or any other problem, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 510-793-6067 to set up an appointment and get your Honda back good as new.