Numbing Vibrations from Steering Wheel

[CHoorel]

I have a 2012 Pilot, but I'm wondering if anyone has had the same sensation that I have, or if I have a problem on my hands. I had a CRV before the leap to the Pilot so I have no experience with them.

The problem is, when I'm driving anywhere at all speeds, I feel a very slight vibration in the steering wheel. It is enough to make my hands feel a little numb after a while. Has anyone else had this sensation? It feels like I can feel the engine through the steering wheel. Is this how they are made or am I imagining things?

Any input would help either way.

[whizmo]

Could be a few things, but most likely either a wheel balance issue or defective tire. Just take it in, should be an easy fix.

- Mark

[theirishscion]

Sounds distinctly abnormal to me, certainly not something I've noticed in my '11 (and I would have noticed it I think)

If the vibration is distinct enough to make your hands feel funny, it seems like there's something very wrong.

Like the Whiz says, almost certainly a wheel balance issue from the factory or a duff tire.

With that said, the '12 is the first year to feature the new speed-variable power steering pump (as part of the ongoing quest for better fuel efficiency) so it's possible there's some subtlety to that of which we're unaware. I still reckon something's wrong though.

The the frequency of the vibration change with road speed or engine speed, or not at all?

[CHoorel]

Thank you for the replies. The frequency does seem to change, as I am accelerating, I can feel the rpm and the shift through the wheel. It is very subtle, and some might not notice it, but when I am done driving my hands tingle a little from the vibrations. Higher speeds don't seem to make it worse, but I can feel the shifts and then it stays constant.

[theirishscion]

Sounds like something to do with the power steering pump then. Worth taking another 2012 for a drive at your dealership and see if it does the same thing.

[CHoorel]

Yeah I do need to drive another one. Problem is, my closest dealer is mad because they couldn't make me the best deal so I had to buy an hour away.

I'm trying to gather info so when I take it to service I can give suggestions of things to check. Thank you for your help.

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by CHoorel

Yeah I do need to drive another one. Problem is, my closest dealer is mad because they couldn't make me the best deal so I had to buy an hour away.

Sales and service in most dealerships hardly even talk to one another and most service people are happy to get business, whether it is from their sales staff or anothers. Just take it into the local dealer.

- Mark

[rocky]

Wonder if its something to do with the variable assist Power Steering system. Shouldn't be since thats been used in other Hondas for a while

[peyton23]

I mentioned this in another thread, but trying to find out any problems that anyone else has had with the 2012. I just brought home my touring last thursday and noticed a humming noise when the ac was on. There was a very slight vibration in the steering wheel, but I was more annoyed with the noise. The problems only happen when the ac cycles every minute or two. The humming is constant, the vibration when cycling. After seeing this thread, I'm wondering CHoorel, what did the dealer find? My service dept. narrowed the problem to the power steering, specifically the container and filter. They said that the humming noise and vibration should end hopefully with them being replaced. They said that when they removed the container and filter, the problems stopped, so they hope that's it. They believe that a defect with the filter is causing the power steering fluid to not be cycled/filtered properly ( if I remember correctly ) and this should fix the problem. The parts aren't coming in until wednesday. Hopefully, this is right and I can get to enjoying the car. Anyway, if you can let us know how everything turned out, I definitely would appreciate it!!

[peyton23]

Just updating. I just took my Pilot to Honda and they managed to fix the problem. Like I stated earlier, the problem in mine was because of a defective filter in the power steering compartment. Apparently, the filter had some deposits in it already from the factory that was causing the power steering pump ( I guess I've got that right ) to work a little bit harder to get fluid through the system. Since the deposits covering the filter weren't allowing the fluid to go through smoothly, it was causing a humming noise and small vibrations in the steering wheel. It didn't make sense to me at first ( filter? ) but I'm not an expert on cars. Honda ordered a new compartment and filter, installed it, and sure enough, no more noises or vibrations.

[Carmanzub]

My brand new 2012 Pilot EX-L has this same loud hum when the vehivle is in idle position and in-gear. It only makes the noise when the a/C is on and the compressor kicks in. It quite annoying. I've noticed that it has something to do with the Power Steering because when the compressor kicks in and humming begins, it changes when I move the steering wheel.

What did the Techs at Honda say about the A/C compressor? What's the link between the P/S fluid bottle amd the A/C?

I'm talikng the Pilot this week to get this checked/hopefully fixed.

I appreciate any feedback. Thanks

[Carmanzub]

My brand new 2012 Pilot EX-L has this same loud hum when the vehivle is in idle position and in-gear. It only makes the noise when the a/C is on and the compressor kicks in. It quite annoying. I've noticed that it has something to do with the Power Steering because when the compressor kicks in and humming begins, it changes when I move the steering wheel.

What dis the Techs at Honda say about the A/C compressor? What's the link between the P/S fluid bottle amd the A/C?

I'm talikng the Pilot this week to get this checked/hopefully fixed.

I appreciate any feedback. Thanks

[peyton23]

The techs said that the hum in my vehicle was due to a defective filter in the power steering container, which made the power steering pump work harder causing the hum. I really don't know what the a/c directly had to do with it, but sure enough, once the defective container/filter was replaced with a new container, the hum went away.

[Joyfuljoy2000]

Originally Posted by peyton23

The techs said that the hum in my vehicle was due to a defective filter in the power steering container, which made the power steering pump work harder causing the hum. I really don't know what the a/c directly had to do with it, but sure enough, once the defective container/filter was replaced with a new container, the hum went away.

I wish I had been so lucky. I have even told them and shown them this thread. My problem still persists. After two new Power steerings were installed,(one specifically engineered for my vehicle-Hondas words) but it still HUMS LOUDLY. I am in the process of going through the BBB Auto Line and will let you all know the FINAL outcome.

[Ngo-mstake]

I recently purchased a 2012 touring pilot and is having the same humming noise. I've taken it to the dealership twice and was told it was normal. Am I crazy? I took it again this morning and the tech finally heard the noise and schedule a diagnostic for Wednesday. Let's see what happens.....ready to get rid of my car.