My cars steering has been acting strange. First of all it squeals when taking curves, especially at higher speeds. Second, the steering feels choppy when driving under 70km/h or so...as if it it slips into standard steering. Ive topped off the fluid (theres a leak in the line near the radiator) and that doesn't make a difference. The tension on the belt is good also.

Does anyone know what might be causing the problem? Im considering draining the fluid and refilling it fresh, which brings me to another question. I've heard that only Honda fluid should be used and that generic brands can damage the system. Is this the case? I was thinking about using a product such as Lucas to stop the small leak, but I don't want to risk damaging it...

Any help with these questions would be great!!

 

try tightening the belt. my power steering was acting up, its like ti would work at some point then it would. so i tightened the belt. and now not a problem. i use generic brand in mine for about a year or so now and havent had any problems.

 

Tension already is pretty good tho.....i was kinda concerned it could be a gearbox problem....?

 

A squeel while turning can be several things
Incorrect Toe Adjustment on the Front suspension. Neutral or negative toe angles will allow the inner tire to scrub around the corner (Both tires do not scribe the correct inner and outer turning radius) thus the squeel.
If this noise could also be discribed as a whine, then your pump may be cavitating.
This is often caused by a little know filter screen in the bottom of the power Steering reservoir which keeps contaminates from circulating into the pump.
This screen clogs, the pump starves, the operating becomes irratic and the system whines - more so in a turn.

P

Oh, and as mentioned elsewhere - recheck the belt

 

ive also had problems with running my pump dry (no fluid) has this been done lately? ran my dry and made all kinds of [freak]ing noises
Also P_Adams sounds like he has it covered
never would have got thought that far outside the box.
this problem is bugging me, keep it updated

 

So, I found out what was causing most of the problems. Seems I had a little leak in the line. When I took the car to a garage for a sale on oil changes (for $9.99 I figured I couldn't go wrong) they filled the reservoir back up with universal power steering fluid. I realized this after buying both Honda and Bardahl for Hondas and realizing it was clear and very thin, while the stuff in the reservoir was neither! After changing out the fluid the power steering instantly felt better. For a while the squeal continued. I think now that it might have been caused by the line sucking in air at the leak and causing bubbles in the fluid...is this possible? I used a leak stopping product specifically made for Honda's and it seems to have sealed it and the squeeling is pretty much gone.

I really don't know that much about this topic, but it seems that it's been fixed....could this be what was causing the trouble? (i hope! )

 

I'll go out on a limb and say.... it could, if the hose was on the suction side of things. It would cause the pump to cavitate as it encountered the air bubbles.

IF it's worked out for you, all the better, but considering where you live (Nova Scotia) and the winter's you deal with; I'd have that hose replaced before Nanook pays a visit (freezing)