Hi all,

I have a 1990 Honda Accord DX. I have recently noticed a rubbing/squealing sound happening when i turn. It seems to be more prominent on a right hand turn but will occasionally happen when i turn left. It happens most at lower speeds (10-25mph) but is still a little intermittent. My power steering fluid is pretty much full but seems to have a leak around the fill tank (haven't pin pointed where that leak is officially). I haven't noticed any difference in the feel of my steering. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this?

Thanks
Nick

 

You should fix the leak.

It could be the PS belt that needs tightened a bit.

 

On the noise is it when you cut the wheel all the way (maybe tire rubbing body) or any turn. If the front end alignment is way of specs you will get a noise like that. I would inspect the suspension components first and the tires themselves.

 

and...
If you can make the noise going very slow (walking speed) then try doing that in an empty parking lot while someone walks alongside. Try to pinpoint the location of the sound. If you can make the noise going REAL slow, with the hood open, all the better.

 

I'll try to find the leak and fix that first. I was having a hard time reproducing the noise but when I did get it to happen it was on a slight turn of the wheel (around the 10 & 2 range). It never happened with the wheel turned all the way.

As far as the alignment, would I notice a pull or can I be out of alignment without a noticeable change?

 

If it DOES pull, it's usually due to alignment, but if it doesn't pull, that doesn't prove the alignment is good.

There are ways for alignment to be out, with the same incorrect angle on both sides of the car. In that case, it wouldn't pull but your tires will wear out funny.

 

Signs of the alignment being off are, the steering wheel is not centered while driving straight down the road, tire wear and noise, poor handling, and pulling. The old Honda’s use to have a common PS leak which was the hose that attaches to the speed sensor on the trans. The speed sensor reduces PS pressure at high speeds to give a better feel of the road and the hose usually just needs a new clamp.

Wheel bearing will make a constant noise that will change with a slight change in turning the steering wheel.