Hi again and sorry If I seem to be blowing up the forum. I just have a question (I searched via Google but could not find the answer there). My power steering pump doesn't seem to be working all that well. Its a little hard to turn it most of the time; it has too much resistance.

Do you think its because i'm using the wrong type of power steering fluid? Currently I have ATF and a little power steering fluid mixed in. Maybe that's my problem but I don't know, it never seemed to work that well even with Honda fluid in it.

If I am going to replace with Honda what would the easiest way to purge the system of the old fluid?

 

The problem with most if not all generic 'power steering fluids' is that they tend to be heavy hydraulic jack oils. Not at all what should be used.
Accords had a power steering sensor attached to the transmission. If the sensor has gone bad then the default setting may be to have low boost pressure. But I never have messed with the PS system. I recall a P.S. switch but I do not know if this is the same as the sensor mounted to the transmission. IIRC it is to increase idle speed to increase PS pressure for easier steering at low speeds.
Ugh, It is a convoluted mess of hoses and lines on the Accords, no real easy spot to unhook lines and drain the system.
I'm guessing its a hot date with your car and a turkey baster.

 

Actually the power steering system is designed to stiffen the power steering at higher speeds not lower speeds.

You can disconnect the return line and set into an empty cannister or jar to purge the system. Just make sure to turn it off when it gets drained. You don't want to run the car for an extended time period with no ps fluid.

 

Yeah it does get stiffer when rolling and it sometimes works well when stopped, but it doesn't work well enough when moving.

I drove an 05 Scion XB, an 01' Accord and an 04' Camry and the power steering on those seemed way better than mine; and it didn't seem to slow down any or at all at higher speeds which seemed strange.

 

Your problem could just be the pump is bad. I would grab a used one from the junkyard for starters. These things don't go bad often.

 

Its not that the pump doesn't work its that it doesn't work that well. Its not unpleasant to drive. I ordered Honda fluid maybe that will fix it. Thanks for the replies.

 

New fluid isn't going to help if your pump is bad. Fluid is just fluid.