2005 Accord Steers Itself? - Pulsing/Overboost

Shortly after I bought my used 2005 Accord EX-L 4-cylinder with about 31,000 miles on it, I noticed I was correcting my steering a lot - kind of like I used to watch my Dad do with our 1962 Studebaker Lark station wagon.

So I started paying closer attention, and found that:
- On many corners, after I stopped turning the wheel, it felt like the front wheels steered further - so I "corrected."
- On a long turn like a cloverleaf ramp, I felt periodic pulsing through the wheel - so I was constantly "correcting."

Having never heard of anything like this before, I had a terrible time explaining this to the local Honda dealer service department. They test drove the car, but couldn't feel it. (However, a technician from America's Tire could.)

Then one day, I discovered that if I turn the wheel about 90 degrees while sitting still at idle, it started noticeably pulsing back at me. I showed this to the dealer, who replaced the steering pump under warranty. Unfortunately, the symptoms didn't go away.

Shortly thereafter, I rented a 2007 Accord on a business trip; it didn't have the problem. So I took my 2005 to another nearby dealer. They found no solution. The warranty expired and I resigned myself to selling the car. My wife, however, chose to keep it.

At 51,000 miles, the problem remains. Not only does it take the fun out of driving, but I can't tell the difference between the problem and tires actually slipping on a frosty road.

Any experiences or ideas will be appreciated.

 

Do 2005 Accords have variable assist steering?

 

The owner's manual doesn't say. But based on this Honda press release (corporate.honda.com/press/article.aspx?id=2004091736726) and the dozens of references to it in online sale listings, I'd conclude that it does have hydraulic variable-assist power steering.

 

Other than the pulsing you feel, when you are correcting the steering, do you notice if the car is pulling? If so, is it pulling to the left/right?

 

The car does not pull to one side at all. Also, the pulsing seems to be equally present whether turning to the right or left.