I have a 98 Prelude. The power steering was not as soft as my Accord. Someone test drove it today and said that the power steering is stiff. I know that its on the heavier side, but is it supposed to be soft or firm on the 5th Gen? I just feels firm to me, but he is saying that it is stiff. Is this normal?

My fiance's father drove it the other day and said the same thing to me too, but he drives a 05 Cadillac so I know its no comparison. This is a sports car. Let me know what you guys think.

 

check your power steering fluid. It may need to be flushed and changed. Thick fluid is hard to push.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98vtec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">check your power steering fluid. It may need to be flushed and changed. Thick fluid is hard to push.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ohhh...you have a point. The fluid is on the low level line. Would this be a problem? I am going to top it up, but I would think that once its above the low level line, the performance shouldnt be different. Whats the best way to check if it is too thick? Is it soft on your Prelude like how it would be in an Accord or other smoother driving car?

 

Prelude PS always feels a bit firmer to me as well. Compared to other domestic vehicles.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by profroopchan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ohhh...you have a point. The fluid is on the low level line. Would this be a problem? I am going to top it up, but I would think that once its above the low level line, the performance shouldnt be different. Whats the best way to check if it is too thick? Is it soft on your Prelude like how it would be in an Accord or other smoother driving car? </TD></TR></TABLE>

if its black, it needs to be changed.

 

I have noticed this as well and my PS fluid is fine. Compared to some of the other cars I have driven, the prelude's PS isn't as soft in comparison to others.

 

Okay, This guy is trying to get me to reduce the price saying that the power steering needs fixing. Its not 'that' bad. Its just firm. My girl drove with it without problems, and she is only 105 lbs. Should I drain the fluid and refill it for him anyway (if its cheap)? He seems like a cool guy, but he is driving a 99 Accord now. He said he had a 96 Prelude Si before. I know if was softer on my previous 93 prelude Si which got totaled. What do you guys think I should do? Just tell him that's how it supposed to be on the 97+ Ludes?

 

if it isnt broke, dont fix it

if the fluid level is fine, and the fluid is "clear" then everything is fine.

 

Preludes have heavier power steering than Accords, Integras and Civics. I daily driver an Accord and when I get into the Prelude, I really notice a difference. As long as the steering is smooth when you are turning the wheel and as long as there is no "whining" when you turn the wheel, all is fine.

The guy may also be trying to find something wrong to get you to lower the price.

Hope that helps,
Brian.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98vtec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if it isnt broke, dont fix it

if the fluid level is fine, and the fluid is "clear" then everything is fine.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The fluid is not 'clear'. I don't think I have ever seen any Honda with 'clear' fluid, unless its been changed within the last year or so, which I have never seen, and I have been through quite a few Hondas. How long does it stay 'clear' when u do a complete fluid flush?

 

remember that clear is different than colorless