1996 Acura Integra Stiff Steering

Tiny
B18B1
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 ACURA INTEGRA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 137,000 MILES
My Integra has had some steering issues since this past winter. I did some e-brake drifting for fun which is probably not a good idea. Ever since the last time I did nothing has been the same. My mechanic said my power steering pump is fine. I replaced a broken cv axle (front right) and nothing seemed to change. I had accidentally put in power steering fluid that doesnt fit honda spec. So I had the power steering fluid flushed and refilled with synthetic power steering fluid, they told me it fit honda spec. My car steers nothing like when I first got it at 200,000 km. I'm now at 220,000 km, and steering can be a struggle sometimes. My dad drove the car and didnt notice anything wrong. Could this be a parking brake issue? Or something related to brakes? My next move is to have the tie rods inspected and other such parts. This problem doesnt effect daily driving, but steering is very unresponsive and feels terrible. Not what acura integras are known for. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 8:31 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JEREMIAH
  • MECHANIC
  • 217 POSTS
You seem to be trying to repair a problem with the wrong solution.
You are complaining about steering response while repairing what relates to steering effort. Which issue are you having?
Have an alignment done before replacing parts to find out if your caster, camber or toe is out of spec. Your problem maybe caused by the direction of your wheels
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Tuesday, April 15th, 2008 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
B18B1
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Oh I forgot to mention I had the car aligned shortly after getting it. I have since Had it checked and its perfect. My tires are all newer and balanced, also rotated. I am suffering from both issues: Steering response and effort. I would like to know some repairs related to steering response as well as steering effort. Perhaps less obvious ones than a simple alignment would be helpful?
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Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 AT 1:10 AM
Tiny
JEREMIAH
  • MECHANIC
  • 217 POSTS
I'm not sure how much you know about your car, but it only comes with adjustable toe. With your mileage, I doubt that the other angles are perfect.
The condition of your struts, tie rods and arms would be easier to find out if you can read the alignment.
Uneven tire wear and inflation can cause a pull even if alignment is perfect. Sometimes even tire brands do that.
Adding aftermarket parts like camber kits, sway bars etc will improve handling/response.
Steering effort only has few causes, if the ps pump and the ps rack are fine, check the belt or pulley.
Btw, you can drift the integra without using the e-brake. Just use brake pedal timing and steering/throttle control.
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Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008 AT 7:19 PM

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