Car making odd louder noise - with video

[oilerfan4lyfe]

Hey,

My car has been making this odd grinding noise since for about a week and a half. Please see the video to see what I mean. Car is an '04 TSX with about 285k KM. It has been regularly maintained.

I drove back home from Ontario and I first noticed it on my last day of driving. The maintenance light also flashes for about 5 seconds when I turn on my car then goes away...I noticed that around the same time as this noise but don't know that the two are related for sure.

The car still drives fine. From what I can tell, it's coming from that gray box that's just towards the driver side of where that belt is spinning. You can clearly tell from that description that I'm a little clueless when it comes to cars.

Any idea what this noise is and if it is serious? Thanks for your help.

[sr20s14zenki]

Sounds like power steering, or possibly a bearing going in the alternator, which may explain the maintenance light. Maybe the maint light comes on when the voltage drops.

Just an idea.

[firebane]

1 of 3 things but most likely what was suggested.

1) Timing Chain
2) Power Steering Pump
3) Alternator

Use a long screwdriver with a rubber handle and put it on what you think and listen.

[sr20s14zenki]

It honestly sounds to me like a power steering pump cavitating with air, but i cant see why that would turn on your CEL.

[oilerfan4lyfe]

Hmm would the power steering pump make the car more stiff to drive?

Not sure what you mean by the screwdriver? Is that to narrow down where the noise is coming from?

[sr20s14zenki]

Yes the power steering pump could make the steering inputs more rigid.

The screw driver is to amplify the sound, its like a poor mans stethoscope. You put the metal end of the screw driver on the body of whatever you think is makign the noise, and put your ear hard against the plastic end. It should reverb the sound. I used to use it to listen for injector pulse, until i found the wonderful thing called a led test light =p

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by oilerfan4lyfe
Hmm would the power steering pump make the car more stiff to drive?

Not sure what you mean by the screwdriver? Is that to narrow down where the noise is coming from?

Screwdriver tip on various engine parts, rubber handle to your ear... just don't wear a tie while doing this

[firebane]

Originally posted by oilerfan4lyfe
Hmm would the power steering pump make the car more stiff to drive?

Not sure what you mean by the screwdriver? Is that to narrow down where the noise is coming from?

When was the last time you checked your power steering fluid? Power steering pumps can all sorts of noises when going bad and yes low power steering fluid will make it VERY difficult to drive.

Go drive a vehicle without power steering and see how much fun it can be.

[firebane]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok


Screwdriver tip on various engine parts, rubber handle to your ear... just don't wear a tie while doing this

lol.

[oilerfan4lyfe]

Thanks for your help guys...it's much appreciated.

Dealer in the States supposedly checked power steering fluid June of last year when I got an oil change done as part of a free multipoint inspection...whether or not they actually did it or if they just checked the box off though who knows.

The car does seem a little more stiff to turn as I first take off and start driving but I can't notice any difference in turning after I get going.

The noise is coming from the gray box right beside the belt according to the screwdriver trick you guys mentioned above. It's this thing in the pic:

[sr20s14zenki]

Power steering.

check fluid.

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok
just don't wear a tie while doing this

hahaha

[top_speed]

Get someone to put a load on the alternator(turn on the high beams, turn on radio etc and see if the noise becames louder or quieter) and if you wanna check if it's the timing chain or any internal part just take the belt off and see if the noise goes away if it does it's probably your ps pump, A/C compressor, or alternator

[oilerfan4lyfe]

Can't see the level of PS fluid from the outside. From the inside it looks like it's pretty low. I'll refill it and see if the noise goes away. If not, I'll try some other things like top_speed mentioned.

Thanks for the help guys!

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by oilerfan4lyfe
Can't see the level of PS fluid from the outside. From the inside it looks like it's pretty low. I'll refill it and see if the noise goes away. If not, I'll try some other things like top_speed mentioned.

Thanks for the help guys!

There isnt a dipstick on the PS fluid reservoir cap?

[J.M.]

If your p/s fluid smells burnt, do a flush - you'll notice a great improvement in steering. I'd do a flush anyways just for the hell of it or have one done.

[oilerfan4lyfe]

Originally posted by GTS4tw


There isnt a dipstick on the PS fluid reservoir cap?

Naw, it's supposed to be visible from the outside as it's a clear reservoir.

I'll do a flush from some DIY instructions or just have the dealer get one done if needed.

[firebane]

Originally posted by oilerfan4lyfe


Naw, it's supposed to be visible from the outside as it's a clear reservoir.

I'll do a flush from some DIY instructions or just have the dealer get one done if needed.

I wouldn't worry about a flush at this point. Just fill it up and see if the noise goes away.

But when you fill it up don't go nuts. Just put a bit in and turn the steering wheel lock to lock to allow air to get out because you may have introduced air into the steering rack.

You will have to repeat this and hopefully the noise will go away. If not you may need a new power steering pump.

So try that first before doing a flush.

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by oilerfan4lyfe


Naw, it's supposed to be visible from the outside as it's a clear reservoir.

I'll do a flush from some DIY instructions or just have the dealer get one done if needed.

try wedging a flashlight behind the res and see if you can see the fluid

[cancer man]

Totally p/s noise.