Hi,

My 2006 v6 Accord(ExL, AT) produces a whining noise when I start it in morning. The noise has increased in last couple of days. The noise goes away after warming the engine for couple of minutes. The car has around 56K miles on it. I think it could be due to timing belt. Can somebody tell me how serious this issue could be. Do I need to take the car immediately to a mech. or should I wait when the service is due and take it then.

Thanks.

 

Usual reason is air getting pulled into power steering (PS) pump intake. There is an oring on the intake hose fitting that is usual culprit, but a loose intake hose might cause same result. As car warms, the leak seals itself and noise stops. I don't know of any harm, but it's easily fixed.

You can confirm by observing PS fluid in reservoir when noise is occurring. You will see lots of foam/bubbles in PS fluid reservoir.

good luck