Power Steering Pump Whines, Buzzes, or Hums – 2005-2008 Honda Odyssey

A07-005
August 21, 2009

 

Applies To:
2005–07 Odyssey – ALL
2008 Odyssey  – From VIN 5FNRL38..8B000001 thru 5FNRL38..8B075356
2008 Odyssey  – From VIN 5FNRL38..8B400001 thru 5FNRL38..8B419525

 

Power Steering Pump Whines, Buzzes, or Hums

(Supersedes 07-005, dated June 17, 2008, to update the information marked by the black bars)

 

REVISION SUMMARY

Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, the flat rate time was updated after the operation was reviewed and validated.

Under DIAGNOSIS, text was changed in step 3.

 

SYMPTOM

The power steering pump whines, buzzes, or hums after driving for 30 minutes in temperatures of 35 to 40 degrees F (2 to 5 degrees C).

 

PROBABLE CAUSE

The power steering pump reservoir is defective.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Flush the power steering system with clean power steering fluid, then replace the power steering reservoir.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Power Steering Reservoir: P/N

53701-SHJ-A01C1

H/C 9023672

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid: P/N (Four bottles per vehicle are needed.)

08206-9002

H/C 3747284

 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

In warranty: The normal warranty applies.

Operation Number:	512140
Flat Rate Time:	0.3 hour
Failed Part:	P/N 53701-SHJ-A01 H/C 7711450
Defect Code:	08103
Symptom Code:	04201
Template ID:	07-005B
Skill Level:	Repair Technician

 

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

 

DIAGNOSIS

1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice).
2. Listen for abnormal noises from the power steering pump while the steering wheel is centered and not being turned.
   • If the pump whines, buzzes, or hums, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
   • If the noise is not coming from the pump, this service bulletin does not apply. Check for other possible causes of the noise.
3. Inspect the power steering reservoir.
   
   Is there a white dot on the reservoir cover, with one of its ribs pointing toward the reservoir holder?
   • Yes – This vehicle already has the revised power steering reservoir. Continue with normal
     
     troubleshooting procedures.
   • No – Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Drain the power steering reservoir:
   • Remove the reservoir from its holder.
   • Raise the reservoir, and disconnect its return hose.
   • Drain the reservoir fluid into a suitable container. Take care not to spill any fluid on the body or other parts. Wipe off any spilled fluid immediately.
2. Drain the fluid from the power steering system:
   • Connect a suitable diameter drain hose to the disconnected return hose.
   • Hold the end of the drain hose in a suitable container.
   • Start the engine, and run it at idle while you turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times.
   • When the fluid stops running out of the hose, shut off the engine.
   • Discard the used fluid.

 

3. Reinstall the return hose to the reservoir, then reattach the reservoir to its holder. Fill the reservoir to its upper level line with new power steering fluid.
4. Bleed the air from the power steering system:
   • Start the engine.
   • With the engine at a fast idle, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times.
5. Check the condition of the fluid in the reservoir:
   • If the fluid looks contaminated, dark, or discolored, repeat steps 1 thru 5.
   • If the fluid is clear, go to step 6.
6. Place a suitable container under the vehicle to catch any fluid.
7. Replace the power steering fluid reservoir:
   • Remove the reservoir from its holder.
   • Disconnect the return hose from the reservoir, and pour the fluid from the reservoir into a container.
   • Disconnect the outlet hose from the reservoir, and remove the reservoir.
   • Install a new reservoir in the reverse order of removal.
   • Fill the reservoir to its upper level line with new power steering fluid.

 

8. Start the engine, and run it at a fast idle. Turn the steering from lock-to-lock several times to bleed any air from the system.
9. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir, and add more if needed. Do not fill the reservoir beyond its upper level line.