Howdy All

I bought my 94 Civic from a young man before he had a chance to "modify" it too much. Drove it pretty hard (80-90miles day) for about a year then started having issues with the front end. The car has approx 185K on it. New Timing Belt and Water Pump. K&S Filter.

Recently observed after about 2weeks of driving the steering becomes very tight, hard to turn. The Suspension won't move up/down. Turning the wheels, in either direction, causes loud Binding/Rubbing noise. The Wind Shield seal has popped, long ago. The window squeaks over bumps. Don't want to fix until I determine/fix root cause.

HOWEVER, leaving the car idle for about 2weeks and it acts just fine. Its like a ReSet Button!! No noise, steering works great, front end bounces like it should. After 2weeks of driving it all binds up again. Very Weird. Tired of folks looking "funny" at my ride.

Car has been in 3 different shops, 5 different times, trying to determine the cause. No Joy.

Have replaced the Struts/Springs twice. I believe some of the linkage joints have been replaced also. There is a brace bar mounted over the engine, connecting the two from Wheel Wells. It doesn't push or pull. Just neutral.

ARRGGG

 

Sounds like your rack and pinion is going out or your power steering pump. Also Check your ball joints and bushings to make sure they aren't ripped/worn out/missing.

By "leaving the car idle for two weeks", do you mean like just turning it on and not driving it for two weeks?

Also by your suspension not moving up and down do you mean your struts aren't working properly? The struts have no connection with your steering problem so lets cancel your problems one by one.

Suspension check:
Struts/springs (i assume checked)
Upper and lower ball joints (ripped boots = dry joints)
Upper camber bushings (dry ripped/worn bushings = no proper flex between moving parts)
Lower control arm bushings( dry ripped/worn bushings = no proper flex between moving parts)

Steering problem check:
Power steering pump (leaks)
Rack and pinion ((leaks or worn out tie rod ends:ball joints)

 

Eg5ir1

Thanks for your reply and insight.

By "Idle" I meant it was off, not running & tucked away under its cover.

I've had the front Struts replaced twice, all around once. The Front Struts become compressed over time (5-10 days) and eventually start leaking

The steering becomes difficult, sometimes dangerous as it doesn't always swing back to center easily. I believe the RacknPinion was serviced the last time it was in the shop. Steering will begin groaning and bumps will get a loud squeak.

I don't see fluid leaks under the car and the steering is definitely better when the engine in running.

The car was lowered before I got it and I wonder if this is the source of the issue(s)?