2000 Accord EX 4 cylinder. 218000 miles original owner.

For the last month I noticed dificult steering. Symptoms only occures after the car sits over night. After car is started the first bit of steering is dificult - feels bumpy. This only last a matter of a few seconds, then all is normal. I got new tires a couple months ago - wonder if it could be soft tires (Falcon ZE512 195-65-15). I also replaced struts a couple months ago (Bilstien)- ride improved alot.

Other things I've checked,
- no loss of power steering fluid
- tie rods are good and tight
- road test is normal- no shaking or vibration

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1. 93 Accord 4 cylinder LXA- 4 door

2. 96 Prelude S

3. 98 Civic EX Coupe

4. 00 Accord 4 cylinder EX - 4 door

 

well in the past few years there have been TSBs about the Civic and CRv P/S pumps locking up, intermittant pressure, etc.
You problem seems to sound familiar.
About the only thing you can check easily is to look for foaming in the P/S reservoir.
The rest of the diagnoses is checking pressure output from the pump.

But it would be a good idea for you to go underhood and have someone start the engine to see if you hear any strange noises from the pump, or maybe the steering rack gearbox.

 

During this cold start episode, do you hear any howling or whining from the Power Steering Pump?
What's the temp been like in the Lake Jackson,Tx area? Has it been cold in the morning? -and- Has this condition started since the weather has turned cooler?

P

 

thanks for the help!

This has started since the temperature got colder. It has been in the around 50F on on cassion - that's cold for Lake Jackson TX (1 hr south of Houston).

I have heard some very slight whining (not sure since I'm hard of hearing) while in the drivers seat. I will get right next to the pump and or gear box on the next cold morning and let you know.

I have never changed the fluid, so I will probably just do that - can't hurt. Fluid is dark enough where I can't see bottom of the reservior. Do you know if there is a filter in the bottom of the reservior?

 

It may be worth your time to clean out the filter screen in the bottom of the power Steering Reservoir tank. It effectively filters contaminates and grit and keeps them from circulating into the pump and steering rack.
When it clogs, it effectively restricts fluid from entering the pump, and affects the high pressure output as well.

P