Is it a growling type sound? Sort of make the truck shudder at the same time?

 

Sorry, I should have described it - it's sort of between a whine and a squeal. Haven't noticed a shudder. Also it sometimes will occur when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is turned.

 

I'd recommend that you change your power steering fluid. Plenty of directions on this forum on how to do that. Remove all the fluid in the reservoir, then get the fluid out of the rack following the instructions you'll find, and put in all new fluid.

Honda's are VERY sensitive to the fluids. Since yours has 48k miles on it, if you don't have service records with the vehicle's maintenance history, I would suggest that you change out the transmission, rear differential and transfer case fluids so you can have a baseline. Again, plenty of guidance on this forum on how to do all of those yourself (very easy) along with a lot of best practice tweaks as many folks have refined the process here over the years.

 

For starters, don't turn the wheel when the RL is stopped. That's hard on the steering gear.

You probably need a simple power steering fluid change. If you are DIY inclined at all, it's one of the easiest jobs to do on the RL.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=574000&postcount=13

Welcome to the ROC.

Edit: I see Nuke beat me to it. To add to his list, brake fluid is a 3 year item. I'd do the coolant too. For the tranny, you should switch over to DW-1 (replaces the older Z1 Honda fluid). 3 drain and fills driving in between each change will get you started. Then do a 4th D&F at your next oil change to get you to about 88% new fluid.
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=647265&postcount=13

 

For starters, don't turn the wheel when the RL is stopped. That's hard on the steering gear.

More harm is done to the pump and fluid by holding the steering against the stops. The fluid gets hot because it isn't working anything. Meaning it isn't flowing and is going through the bypass and working at max. pressure.

 

i just picked up my rts on saturday and i have the same noise when turning the steering wheel. it was cold yesterday and today when i first noticed it sooooo...its more like a creaking sound than anything. at 178 miles i will just return to dealer and let them check it out. i will post if anything was found thats worth passing on.

 

That sounds like the ordinary creak that many have. We've had it in our Pilot for years. I never felt like it was worth the hassle to get it fixed. Some report the issue comes back after a while too. Shrug.

 

Do the parking lot test first --

1. Find an empty parking lot free of obstructions (lamp poles, cars, pedestrians)
2. Roll the driver's-side window all the way down
3. Make several slow tight turns to the left
4. If you hear moaning sounds, change your VTM-4 fluid

What happens is the housing resonates and the noise gets transmitted up to the passenger compartment.

Chip H.

 

So ROCers with noise problem. did it go away or whats the deal?
I have noticed a noise when turning into our driveway. I guess I can change out the power steering fluid and go from there.

 

Just hit 80,000 miles and out of warranty and last night my truck starting making a slight 'grinding' noise as well as the power steering whine. I checked fluid and its half way between Upper and Lower markings. Cant wait to hear how I have to change the rack and all.

Not happy.

Q

 

There are a number of threads that address this. You may get lucky and need only a new o-ring or a new hose clamp on the inlet hose at the pump. Add a change-out of the fluid reservoir and fresh fluid. All easily and inexpensively done as a DIY project.

Edit: the grinding noise when turning may indicate the rear diff needs to be serviced. When was the VTM-4 fluid last changed?

 

Had power steering fluid replaced this past weekend. Happy to report: No more noise!! Thanks for everyone's input and advice. :act024:

Phil

 

I had the same problem. Replaced the power steering fluid and no more noises but we will see what happens when the temperature dips below 0 degree F.

 

Same problem. Went away with new fluid.
tip....Have someone hold the tube in a container while you turn the steering wheel or vice versa so in case it falls out you don't spray power steering fluid all over the place.