Power Steering - Moans/Whines On Cold Start Up
07-060April 3, 2009
Applies To:
2004-07 TL - ALL
*2008 TL - From VIN 19UUA6...8A000001 thru 19UUA6...8A014853
2008 TL Type-S - From VIN 19UUA7...8A000001 thru 19UUA7...8A040105*
Power Steering Moans or Whines During Cold Start-Up
(Supersedes 07-060, Power Steering Moans or Whines, dated December 1, 2007, to revise the information marked by the black bars and asterisks)
*REVISION SUMMARY
^ Under Applies To, certain 2008 TL and TL Type-S models have been added.
^ Under PROBABLE CAUSE, text was changed to show that bubbles may form in the power steering fluid as a result of air entering the power steering pump.
^ A DIAGNOSIS has been added with an audio clip of an example of the noise.
^ Under PARTS INFORMATION and step 6 of REPAIR PROCEDURE, the color of the new inlet joint 0-ring (orange) was added.
^ Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, a note was added to check the color of the inlet joint 0-ring if the vehicle was previously repaired under S/B 08-016.*
SYMPTOM
A moan or whine is heard when turning the steering wheel when the engine is cold. There may be air bubbles or foam in the power steering reservoir. The noise usually goes away when the engine warms up.
PROBABLE CAUSE
*Air is entering the power steering pump through the inlet joint 0-ring. This causes bubbles to form in the power steering fluid, leading to reduced pump performance.*
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the 0-ring on the power steering pump inlet joint.
PARTS INFORMATION
*Power Steering Inlet Joint 0-ring (orange):
P/N 91345-RDA-A01*
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Acura Power Steering Fluid: P/N 08206-9002
(One container repairs about 12 vehicles.)
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 5121B5
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: P/N 91345-PAA-A01
Defect Code: 07408
Symptom Code: 04201
Template ID: 07-060A
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
*NOTE:
If you are viewing this service bulletin on ISIS and your computer has sound, click on the icon below to hear an example of the noise.*
REPAIR PROCEDURE
*NOTE:
Some vehicles affected by Service Bulletin 08-016, Safety Recall: 2004-08 TL Power Steering Feed Hose Leak, were not correctly repaired in that the power steering inlet joint 0-ring was not replaced. Before you replace the inlet joint 0-ring in this procedure, check its color:
^ If the 0-ring is not colored orange, it was not previously replaced, and this repair will correct the power steering noise at cold start-up.
^ If the 0-ring is orange, it was already replaced under S/B 08-016. Continue with normal troubleshooting to find the cause of the noise.*
1. Remove the right side engine compartment cover (7 clips and 1 bolt).
2. Remove the bolt holding the inlet joint to the power steering pump housing.
3. Place a shop towel under the pump inlet joint.
4. Twist the inlet joint back and forth until it is loose, then carefully disconnect the joint, and point the hose upward to minimize fluid loss.
5. Remove the inlet joint 0-ring.
*6. Apply power steering fluid to the new orange 0-ring, and install the 0-ring on the inlet joint.*
7. Install the inlet joint, and torque its bolt to 11 N.m (8 lb-ft).
8. Top off the power steering fluid, if needed. Start the engine, and let it idle. Make sure that the noise is gone (during a cold start-up) and that the system is operating properly.
9. Reinstall the right side engine compartment cover.