[JoelOd]

I am experiencing a whining noise in the front end, somewhere in the serpentine belt chain. I just had had the power steering pump replaced, along with all the lines.

Is there a good way to determine where the sound is coming from? I have a gut feeling it's the alternator, but I don't want to just replace it, in case it is something else.

Thanks,
Joel

 

[thscott]

You can use a length of tube or hose as a stethoscope to isolate the source of the noise. You can also use a long rod or screwdriver. Be very careful not to get caught up in the moving parts.
You could also temporarily remove the serpentine belt to see if the noise persists or goes away.
The fact that you just had the PS pump replaced leads me to suspect that. Did you get a genuine Honda pump? Was the system purged and flushed correctly?

 

[marvinstockman]

As thscott said, I would suspect the PS pump, and/or that the PS system needs to be bleed.

 

[marvinstockman]

Forgot, with car in park and engine running, go lock-to-lock on the steering wheel a good few times, and see if the noise goes away.

 

[JoelOd]

You can use a length of tube or hose as a stethoscope to isolate the source of the noise. You can also use a long rod or screwdriver. Be very careful not to get caught up in the moving parts.
You could also temporarily remove the serpentine belt to see if the noise persists or goes away.
The fact that you just had the PS pump replaced leads me to suspect that. Did you get a genuine Honda pump? Was the system purged and flushed correctly?

Thanks for the suggestions for finding the cause of the sound.

I had the work done at Midas. They seem thorough, but I don't know the exact protocol they went through during the work. I would like to assume they did a full purge of the system since the pump and lines were all replaced. I think I will have to take it in to them for a re-inspection of the work? It was a big expense, but I need to keep this van running as long as I can, so I did it.

I think I'll see if I can isolate the sound first.

I also did have to replace my battery yesterday, after I had tried to go from park to drive with the a/c running and the van wouldn't drop into gear. I was very odd. I turned off the a/c and everything worked fine, except the battery light came on. Then I replaced the battery immediately (which was due for replacement). This was why I thought it could also be the alternator.

 

[JoelOd]

Forgot, with car in park and engine running, go lock-to-lock on the steering wheel a good few times, and see if the noise goes away.

I will try this right now!
thanks

 

[JoelOd]

I will try this right now!
thanks

Just tried turning the wheel to the locks. No noticeable difference in the sound. The whining does change in pitch with acceleration (in park or while moving).

 

[thscott]

It is fairly common for our alternators to fail eventually. Especially if oil or PS fluid has leaked into the alternator. If you do get a new alternator make sure you get a Denso unit. No other brand will work well.

 

[JoelOd]

It is fairly common for our alternators to fail eventually. Especially if oil or PS fluid has leaked into the alternator. If you do get a new alternator make sure you get a Denso unit. No other brand will work well.

Okay thanks.