Steering problems

Tiny
SEAN92
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
A few weeks ago it was raining really hard in my town and I noticed my speedometer was acting weird. It was lagging. I would be stopped and the mph were still not at zero. Now a few weeks later my steering would get stiff and than return to normal. Intermittently I would lose partial power steering. Now my power steering is stiff but not totally gone. (Around this time I heard a loud metallic noise from my rear passenger side wheel well when driving, it was inspected and nothing looked out of place). The steering is only loose(normal) when I start the car and lasts a couple seconds. I am hearing nothing from the pump, my power steering fluid is new(the problem existed before the new fluid as well as after). I also got an alignment and the results showed it was pretty much all good (rear right was -3.00. Cannot change it because of manufacturer). Also, when I make a turn the steering wheel wobbles slowly back to center position.
Saturday, February 25th, 2017 AT 8:45 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The speedometer acting weirdly could be due to a failing vehicle speed sensor. Check the harness connector for proper connection and cleanliness. Contamination's due to presence of water can result in poor connectivity.

For the power steering, check the belt tension. If the fluid had been very dirty prior to replacing, remove the reservoir and check the filter internally for clogging. Clean it up if necessary.

Steering returning with slow response could be due to faults with the steering rack, ball joints or universal joints (which are rare).
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Monday, February 27th, 2017 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
SEAN92
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
I replaced the whole power steering reservoir because the screen in the old one was clogged, the problem still persisted. Can the power steering be effected if the belt tension-er is causing the belt to be loose but no sound is being created from the loose belt?
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Monday, February 27th, 2017 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Yes, but this does not seem to be the case. Most likely the pump is weak or leaking pressure internally.
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Monday, February 27th, 2017 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
SEAN92
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
I took this picture of the line that leads into the steering rack from the pump
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Monday, February 27th, 2017 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
This is the return hose and don't seem to be leaking badly. Only some fluid seepage. Tightening the clamp might stop the leakage.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
SEAN92
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
The pump has remained silent this whole time. Is it possible that it can be quiet and still have a problem?
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Yes the pump is probably the cause of the problem 9 times out of 10 this is the case.

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken
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Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 AT 10:50 AM

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