I have a 04 Accord lx, 5 spd, i ahve had this issue for a while and now it seems to be getting worse. Before in the morning, the steering would be very hard to turn, like their was no power assist, but once the car warmed up and started driving places, it would go away. Now I still have the issue, but I notice that when I have been driving, it is very hard to make turns. I looked at the power steering pump, hoses and all seems good. Not sure if this is air in the hoses or what. Greatly appreciate any help or advice that points me to correcting this issue!

 

Have your PS fluid been changed? It's not a schedule item on the manual (and I don't know why that is.).

Pump out the old fluid with a shampoo pump top if you don't have anything, from the reserve fluid tank. Add new bottle. Use Honda PS fluid. It's a $7 fix to see this makes it better. If you noticed it better. Maybe do another change a bit later to make sure you exchanged all the old fluid out. So 2X is the most I'll do.

My Ody feels a bit "stiff" at times, when I did it, it felt better. There is still pockets, but I hardly noticed it.

If this does not work, then maybe it's a bigger issue like the pump is going bad.

 

Does the pump whine while the engine is still cold? How about after? Lock to lock?

Turn your car on then take the cap off the p/s res. Do you see bubles?

-Yes; your return hose o-ring and or the pressure side o rings) has failed @ the pump. Replace it/them. If the bubbles are gone and there is no air entering the system BUT the issue still persists (the noise), replace the pump.

-No(1); (there is no noise, no bubbles) your issue resides either in the pump internals (valve) or your steering racks valve body(ect). Pump has a higher probabilty of failure than the rack. Further diag reqd.

-No(2); (there is NO bubbles but noise persists); replace the pump. Honda reman units come with the pressure side line o ring but not sure of aftermarket units.

 

I did not have the ps fluid flushed. I will try that next time I have the time!!!!!

 

When my wife gets back from work I will check to see if I see bubbles. The noise issue: yes, there is a whine in the morning and when i turn the wheels.
Sorry for the late post, i have been working and out of the country so, really no time to get back to you guys for your help!!!!!! Sorry

 

There's a power steering recall on Honda accords 2003-2007 call ur local dealer !!!!!!!!

 

There is no recall on the pumps. There is a tsb on certain ody's for the pump but that is not a recall. The only current recall p/s related is the pressure hose/line.

 

There WILL be a recall, when Honda has the replacement parts ready (last report...April ).
Replace the return o-ring PT# 91345-RCA-A01 (it is orange) as the original (black) o-rings are known to shrink and cause air to be sucked into the pump.
The recall is for leaking pressure hoses that could possibly cause an engine fire....Keep an eye on this hose and replace the hose as soon as you see an issue (keep all records, as Honda may compensate some consumers).

HTH

 

IMHO, that is on the 6 cyl's.

To the OP, as stated, flush/change the PS fluid with Honda/Acura Approved PS fluid and see what you have from there.

 

Ya lol. Lets see how far they will stretch outside the vin range.

But troubleshooting this is quite simplistic. Exchaning the fluid on an already whining pump is 99.9% likely to do nothing. Follow the simple outline I provided. (if you wish)