What could cause a high-pitched noise in my Honda when turning, belt tensioner?

[MasonC]

I’ve got a 2016 Honda Accord that’s been making a faint, high-pitched whining noise that seems to come from the front end whenever I turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when parked. It’s not the power steering pump because that’s electric, so I’m wondering if it could be the serpentine belt tensioner or maybe the steering rack itself starting to go.

[Natalie.L]

I’ve got a 2016 Accord too. At slow speeds I heard a faint high pitched whine that showed up when I turned the wheel. Since EPS is electric, the pump isn’t the issue, but I did chase the belt area. I ended up replacing the serpentine belt tensioner along with the belt, and it quieted down a bit, but the sound didn’t disappear. It mostly sounded like a tiny whistle from a pulley and was worse when the wheel was near full lock.

[BrianJ]

For me the noise felt more like a wheel bearing or a loose suspension joint. It would change with how hard I turned and which direction. I did a quick check by grabbing the tire and spinning the hub a bit, but nothing obvious popped out. It never felt dangerous, just annoying.

[JohnVR]

I keep wondering if the steering rack is making some internal noise. I didn’t notice any play in the steering wheel itself, but Hondas can hide rack noises until you’re actually moving and loading the front end. It’s tempting to blame the rack, but I didn’t get a clean fix.

[NathanR]

Have you noticed if the sound happens with the engine off when you turn the wheel, or only when the engine is running?