two distinct noises heard after timing belt replacement

[njitgrad]

I just had my timining belt replaced in December 2010 (~95K) in my 2004 EX. It was a preventative measure so its not like I had it done because I was having issues.

Since then I've been noticing two distinct noises that my Pilot never used to make. They seem to be getting louder every week.

1. Whining sound when coasting around slowly in a parking lot. The whine gets louder when I gently press the accelerator. It also gets loud when I turn my steering wheel. The further I turn the steering wheel it the louder the noise. I don't see how the steering and accelerator could both be contributing to the same whining noise.

2. When accelerating up a slight incline, if I keep my foot steadily (but still gently) on the accelerator after it shifts into second gear, the vehicle gives off a sounds much like one of those 18-wheeler tractor trailers braking on the highway approaching a traffic light. Basically what I'm saying is that it sounds like I have a diesel engine.

Are these two related noises to each other?
Could either be related to the replacement of the timing belt?

[rocky]

1: Check your power steering fluid level. If correct, were all the accessory belts replaced when the timing belt was replaced? How about the tensioner?
2: The exhaust "fart" (exhaust brake) sound? No clue on this one.
3: Not proven
4: I worry that since they were not there before somethings not right. But have nothing to prove a causal relationship. Yet.

[njitgrad]

Originally Posted by rocky

1: Check your power steering fluid level. If correct, were all the accessory belts replaced when the timing belt was replaced? How about the tensioner?
2: The exhaust "fart" (exhaust brake) sound? No clue on this one.
3: Not proven
4: I worry that since they were not there before somethings not right. But have nothing to prove a causal relationship. Yet.

I'll check the PS fluid today. If low, will any PS fluid or is there a specific one I should get?

[mclairmo]

The last thing someone touched on the vehicle is often the culprit. Check everything that gets touched in a timing belt swap. The serpentine belt may be a cheap aftermarket that is making noise or maybe too tight. Check belt tension. Check for cracks and dryness in the belt. Check all fluid levels. Check for loose or leaking hoses, such as to the power steering pump and resevoir. Check for any other loose items.

[rocky]

Don't use ATF use power steering fluid of course Honda thinks theirs is special-its available online for under $3!

Just tried to check the ownerslink, but the files Honda is sending out are infected according to AVG. Page 207 in the owners manual is as far as it would let me go.

Having had some time to think about this. I'm fearful the shop really screwed up this job.

[mclairmo]

rocky, are you thinking timing belt may be a tooth off? Would that cause the noises? or would there just be a lack of power? or maybe misfire type symptoms?

[rocky]

I don't think its a tooth off-unless he is seriously down on power and doing single digits on the mpg front.

Moments like this would be good to have a utube video to listen to.

At the cheap end, an accessory belt could be wrongly installed. At the expensive end when they did the timing belt I'm worried that they may have done something to the idler pulley which is connected to the engine's oil pump.

Most people have the water pump replaced at the same time. Even one of those when it goes (something I've only experienced once in 30 years of driving) doesn't cause the engine to sound like a diesel.

Now if the oil pump is damaged, then you'll get a diesel like knock knock sound and the engine will seize.....

[94eg!]

The steering wheel noise sounds like the common o-ring issue on the suction line going from the reservoir to the pump. It's easy to replace and only costs a dollar. The old one will be black and the new one should be orange. I've replaced this part on 3 different cars so far (05 TL, 02 RSX and 04 Pilot), and all 3 times it fixed the noise.

The sound is rpm dependent because the pump is being driven by the motor. The faster the motor, the faster the pump. What is happening is the o-ring is letting air into the suction line which makes a lot of noise inside the pump. Also, once you park, the air allows the fluid in the suction hose to back up into the reservoir making it look full again. But once you start the car, you will see the level drop and the reservoir will suddenly have a bunch of bubbles inside (or even foam).

It's only one bolt to remove and takes just a couple minutes. The hardest part is selecting the correct wrench to reach the bolt (I think but each car is different).

Here is a pic of the part (#17 91345-RDA-A01):

[mclairmo]

My buddy had an early model Honda CRX (84 or 85) and the oil pump went out and the single overhead camshaft seized and the cam gear sheared right off taking the nose of the cam with it. We pulled the head off and one piston had hit one valve slightly. Sold the car to the wrecker the next day. If you suspect the oil pump is faulty, stop driving the vehicle.

[njitgrad]

When I checked the PS fluid with a cold engine, it was in the proper range. I was about to take it into the shop the other day but it was snowing. In order to hear the sounds I am talking about the wipers need to be off and the swishing of water on wet pavement needs to be absent. I am going to schedule for next week hopefully.

[njitgrad]

Turns out my power steering pump needed to be replaced. An expensive job but now it sounds fine.

[cofetym]

Mine started leaking around the same mileage