Power steering problem - 1991 Accord

JLAYMAN

MEMBER
1991 HONDA ACCORD

1991 Honda Accord, 120,000 miles, 4 cylinder, standard transmission.

I recently had a breakdown due to a bad distributor. The car just stopped running and while the engine would crank, it would not start. I had my car towed to the shop of my choice and fixed within a day. When I received the car back, the engine ran fine but I now have an issue with the steering that was not there before the breakdown. When I turn the wheel (more noticeable at low speed) there is a spot at both the left and right where a moaning sound comes from what seems to be in the dash right behind the steering wheel. When turning the wheel while parked the turning motion is very choppy and as I get toward the steering limit, the wheel seems to "fight" me. I called the repair shop the next day and the owner said they had noticed a small leak and topped off my steering fluid but was adamant that this new condition had not resulted from anything they had done. My two questions are what is causing the problem? And is it possible that the tow truck operator could have caused this problem or was it a result of the breakdown caused by the distributor?

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Being a 91, (unless all fluid lines are prestine), the leak is probably a line that was weak, and just the motion of towing and or putting it in the air on the lift probably pushed the line over the edge. You need to fill the system up and look for the leak source before you damage the pump.

Post pictures of what you find if you like to help.

Fill the system, check for leak while it runs. If nothing shows have someone turn the steeringwheel back and forth, (don't hold when it reaches the full turn position however) and continue looking.