2002 Honda Accord is making a whining sound when I turn my wheels. Any clue what is going on?

I noticed that I have a whining sound when I turn my car on and it is really noticeable when I turn the steering wheel. I looked up some other solutions and some people say that the power steering O-ring could be the issue and some say just to change the power steering pump. I'm kind of lost right now. I did notice a slight smell of burning burning fluid but I haven't seen any leaks. Any help is great help… Thanks

If the vehicle is low on fluid, it whines. That happens all the time; it's fairly common. Have you opened the power steering fluid reservoir and checked the fluid level? I bet it is low. It could be low because the car is 15 years old, or it could be something leaking - like the power steering pump. In that case, you just have to keep adding some every week or so until you take the car in to be repaired.

Low on fluid is the number one reason for noise when steering. I'm not sure if it could be something else.

Could your "burning fluid" smell really be burning rubber?

My first thought would be a slipping drive belt, driving the power steering pump. You should be able to check the belt tension yourself, and inspect the belt for glazing, or cracks.

The power steering reservoir is low on fluid. The system is probably leaking but it is impossible to say where with so little information. Get some fluid and refill the reservoir and the noise will probably stop, or at least quiet way down. When the p.s. Pump starts whining the fluid overheats when there's too little which accounts for the smell. You should check ALL fluids periodically, not just engine oil. FAIL.

Hi so you have a 15 year old car that makes noises well there's a surprise the fact is still working is something of a miracle. The original design life was just 8 years. So it's no wonder it makes noises. WEAR is the reason and lack of maintenance/servicing.

Have you checked your power steering fluid level? If it gets too low, it starts pumping air bubbles with the fluid and it is a rather irritating, growling/whining type noise.

Your power steering fluid level is probably low. It's a good time to change your power steering fluid. I use a cheap turkey baster to suck the old fluid out of the reservoir and replace it with new fluid. The power steering in my truck takes automatic transmission fluid. Check your owner's manual for the proper fluid to use. BTW, check your brake fluid too. You can use the turkey baster to replace that fluid too.

It could be failing wheel bearings or failing CV joints.

The PS return line o-ring is a common problem. It allows air to get into the PS fluid causing the PS pump to make noise. I'd change the o-ring and bleed the air out of the PS system before changing any parts.

Your pump is going. Simple to replace.

Take to a garage and tell them. Chances are very good they just have to tighten the alternator belt or the power steering belt a bit tighter. 5 minute job. And you are right as rain(which means a good thing… When you live in a desert.)