my moms (accord 2001 coupe) automatic's power steering recently started acting weird, its not turning as easily as it should. i thought it was low on power steering fluid but it was at the max level. i checked the belt and pulley/pump and they seemed fine. i dont know much about this system but could there possibly be water or even air in the lines? i want to flush the system out this friday but wanted to see what u guys suggest to do. i search but couldnt find anything similar to her problem.

 

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what i would do and im sure someone has another method. disconnect line on ps pump should be on there with two small bolts. i'd checked for dirt and crap. then put back on open ps fluid reservoir jack up car from front so both front wheels off ground start it up and turn wheel side to side. this helps remove air bubbles, but your problem may just be a inner or outer tie rod.

 

The proper way of changing the fluid is to remove the fill line from the reservoir (should be the upper one) and with the car on have someone move the steering wheel back and forth (car in the air) drain the fluid in some container and refill the reservoir at the same time you do NOT want to run it empty.

New PS fluid is clearish, the stuff I've drained is black. Seafoam makes a cleaner for it as well, you may want to run that through the rack. (Just add through reservoir too). It's pretty much drain and refill until all you get is clear fluid.