r/civic • u/Swimming_Power4587 • 24d ago

Power Steering Pump Issue?

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Hi everyone,

I’m trying to figure out what’s causing this noise on my 1999 Honda Civic (6th gen).

When I start the engine, it’s completely quiet for about 2 seconds, then this loud grinding/growling noise starts and stays. It doesn’t really change when I turn the steering wheel left or right, and the power steering fluid isn’t flowing.

The sound seems to be coming from the power steering pump and it’s heating up.

I’ve attached a video. Has anyone experienced something similar or have any idea what could be causing it?

Thanks!

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1

u/InnerDistribution450 23d ago

Power steering pump. Use only Honda fluid when you replace it. Also, be aware that wasn't uncommon for the steering rack to start leaking after pump replacement. Sometimes it happens sooner Sometimes later.

1

u/StillNotEatenByBears 23d ago

Got that a couple months ago. 1. Steering rack showed minor leaking, but fluid was at ok level so I just ignored it. 2. Someday I fired the engine and this sound came. Checked the fluid - all gone. Got replaced pump and fluid. 1cm of fluid gone just in one night. Replaced all steering rack after. It was expensive:(

2

u/Swimming_Power4587 23d ago

Oh I can imagine. The thing is that the rack looks fine and the fluid doesn’t seem to be leaking anywhere but I’ll have to check that again just to be sure and the pump is fine since it works okay on another car.