1999 CRV LX AWD power steering

BOHOOTCH

MEMBER
1999 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
AWD
MANUAL

Car steering never a problem prior. After sitting for three weeks in garage, no power steering at all. Belt tight, fluid level ok, no leaks. Never a problem before but now all of a sudden no power steering.

Sunday, January 9th, 2011 AT 2:30 AM

7 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Seems the pump is at fault and could have frozen during the inactivity.

Remove the fluid reservoir cap and start engine. Fluids should be running and if not, the pump might need a jump start. Try giving it some gentle taps with a mallet while engine is running.

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Sunday, January 9th, 2011 AT 9:18 AM

BOHOOTCH

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for advice, there is definitely no fluid movement when I look down into the reservoir. Gave it a couple of raps, no help. Perhaps I should remove and dissassemble to free it up, what do you think?

Boohootch

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Sunday, January 9th, 2011 AT 2:40 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Jack up front of vehicle and turn the steering from lock to lock without the engine running.

Repeat steps with engine running and lower jack and retest if the steering works.

Before removal of steering pump, try removing the pressure relieve valves to check for sticking. The pump being a vane type should not be stickingk easily.

If it is disassembled, the O'rings would have to be replaced.

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Sunday, January 9th, 2011 AT 9:08 PM

BOHOOTCH

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Ok thanks, so where are the "relieve valves"

bohootch

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Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 3:04 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Attached is a diagram of the power steering pump.

The relieve valve that I mentioned is the known as the flow control valve in the diagram. The cap is actually an Allen key bolt. Guess you would have to remove the pump to get at it.

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