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Steering is Hard to Turn

Tiny
BEERBELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 HONDA ACCORD
  • 78,000 MILES
When turning to the right only, the steering wheel becomes hard to turn right, then without warning and a little slight extra force, the steering goes back to normal and becomes loose again while continuing with turning to the right.

This happens once every few weeks, otherwise the steering operates normal. Power steering fluid is full and color of fluid seems ok.
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Monday, July 1st, 2013 AT 10:09 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Check the u-joints of the steering shaft.
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Monday, July 1st, 2013 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
BEERBELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your response. This happened again today however this time was accompinied by a clunking noise while turning right. Should I inspect anything else or stick with the u-joints. Thanks
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 AT 4:17 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If there is a clunking noise, something else seems to be wrong. Check the steering linkages and suspension system.
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 AT 5:47 AM
Tiny
NEIL SULLIVAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50 MILES
Hard turning at idle, moves freely when rev'ed at idle, or under normal driving speeds.

Belt is tight.
No unusual noises from pump at idle.

Pump gone bad, and is this an unusual problem for this vehicle?
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-1
Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
The clue to a weak pump is the steering is equally hard in both directions, that problem started with both directions at the same time, and the power assist improves when you increase engine speed. This was real common with the "ZF" style pump which looks like yours might be a version of.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DNAGARAGE
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Some time with the use of an OEM diagnostic you can calibrate your steering wheel
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LARRYKAPKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Whining noise and hard to turn.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LARRYKAPKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
One of your posted messages talked about a o-ring being replaced and fixed the problem. Where is it located?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
First check the fluid level. If it is low, the pump will suck in air, resulting in the whining noise and hard steering. If the level is low, that is the time to check for a leak. The o-ring is on the pump end of the high pressure hose. That o-ring typically leaks from improper installation procedures. It is more common to find the rack and pinion steering gear leaking. To find that, remove the clamp from the small end of one of the inner tie rod end boots, then open it up a little with a pick or small flat blade screwdriver. Power steering fluid will run out if the steering gear is leaking.

Noise will also occur if the wrong power steering fluid is used. I do not know if that will also cause hard steering.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DEANDEAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 430,000 MILES
Stearing pump made a noise a few times so we replaced the pump now the stearing is intermittenly hard and it just got worse to the point that it is hard all the time. Could it be the rack, solinoid? How can you tell?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Are there any leaks? Is the belt tight? Is the fluid full? Was the system bled after replacing the pump?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DEANDEAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
We changed the pump and had a lot of trouble with frothing found it was a defective pump and replaced that and all was good it was got and smooth until we test drove it and the stearing stiffens up a couple of times then after washing the car and engine compartment à t went back to normal until we almost got it back home then back to almost like the power starting failed altogether. But every thing seems normal. No noise belt is good pullies are good. Fluid is new and clean. Could it be a solenoid or collapsed hose? Thanks for any ideas or suggestions you may have.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Is there a pressure sensor on the system?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)

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