Hi all, I have a 2000 honda accord ex and ever since I got the car which is about 2 years ago. The steering was very tight and now the steering feels even more tight. But I noticed that when I was driving in the day time without the headlights on, the steering feels normal. I am wondering if there is any link between the alternator and the power steering on the 2000 honda accord? I think the steering is tight when there is too much current needed for my car. At night, when I have my headlights on, the steering becomes very tight, however when I turn it off and I am idling for about 10 minutes and turn it back on to drive, the steering is normal. Thanks!

 

I love guessing.......and maybe my guess will get someone who knows to chime in.

First: I will conclude that you are not trolling with some made-up problem just to see what kinda' responses you get.

2nd: I'll take for granted that you checked the power steering reservoir & did not mistake the brake fluid reservoir for the power steering....

3rd: I'll take for granted you ck'd the tension on all of the belts and insured they are not worn, along with having the chargin' system ck'd.

4th: I will conclude, that b4 you bought the vehicle, you did not run a carfax, it was in an accident & the pulleys are not quite lined up the way they should be because the accident caused some damage to the front end of the engine. I would imagine it wouldn't take much to knock 'em slightly out of alignment.

Or.......U did obtain a carfax, however, the auto was somehow in an accident, repaired and not reported.

DISCLAIMER: I am not qualified to give advice!

 

Sounds like a worn power steering pump

Headlamps and power steering have nothing to do with each other at ll.

 

I agree lamps have nothing to do with steering........ I was thinkin' since he's havin' the problem when the alternator is having to work harder.........

Which, if it is a worn power steering pump, would be why it is worse when the lights are on?..........pump & alternator fightin' over whatz available?

EDIT: I cannot believe I could not say what I wanted to say in that last sentence.......

 

Bo because the ps pump is simply a MECHANIC part not ELECTRICAL like a alternatir.

The only electrical part on a ps pump is the pressure switch.

The reason your steering feels harder with your headlamps on is because when you turn on yoyr headlamps it draws power from your alternator battery, causing power loss,rpm drop.

Ultimately the power steering pump and engine spin slower while there is electrical loads on the system.

 

Good call !! However, are you not assuming he only has the problem at low speeds?....... I was assuming he was having problem at all speeds?

Ahhhh! Sharper turns..........in town of course.......that's where 90 degree turns are.............so...........U right on bro!

EDIT: I should not post at 2am in the morning.

 

I was thinking there was a correlation between power drawn and tightness of the steering wheel. Does this mean that the alternator is the most likely culprit? I got a new battery about 6 months ago.

 

I did every single thing except number 3. I'm not really sure what belt to check, would I check the serpentine belt, alternator belt, power steering belt? (not even sure if some of the ones I mentioned exist) I also got the alternator checked when I switched my battery, but felt as if the salesperson at autozone just wanted me to buy a new battery, and I'm probably going to get another check from a different place. And also, I wanted to add that I am having troubles at all speeds.

 

If it started out as only a problem at low speeds & is now at all speeds, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that 10psi is correct: power steering pump going bad on you.

DISCLAIMER: I am not qualified to give advice!