Power steering problem? - Jerky and thumpy
 

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this is in the wrong section. I just wanted to see what input you guys had on this problem with my '03 Civic DX coupe that just arose today.

After work, I started up the car, and upon reversing, I turned the steering wheel and felt an immediate thump and resistance about a quarter turn to the left. I noticed it again when turning it the same way to the right. I parked back into the spot, turned the wheel both ways and felt the same thump and jerk. However, when I got the car moving and gave some gas, the wheel was was much easier to steer. I drove home about 25 km both street/highway and didn't feel any problems until I got home and parked slowly into my driveway. Felt the same thump and resistance turning in, and again when parked.

Power steering fluid level was fine, belt is not worn or loose, pump isn't whining. I did notice the fluid in the reservoir jumping around when I tried turning, and I hear a clicking I didn't before near the engine (refer to attached video).

Any ideas on what it might be? Steering pump going bad? PS line clogged?

Video link: http://sendvid.com/4u337ivt

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

Cheers,
Chris

Re: Power steering problem? - Jerky and thumpy
 

The clicking is normal, that's the fuel injectors clicking open and closed, you just never noticed it before and you're expecting something wrong so you're noticing it now. It's more likely something in the suspension that is hanging up when you turn, possibly the strut mount. If you hear clunking while driving coming from the strut tower area that would be more evidence to look in that area.

Re: Power steering problem? - Jerky and thumpy
 

I'd check the suspension for a physical problem. I had a car I worked on with a serious dead spot and wierd response, turns out a bolt holding down the steering rack backed halfway out and the whole rack was shifting (piece o crap Audi with teeny bolts). anyway, check for loose bolts on your rack, loose ball joints on the rach (there are 4) and ball joints/broken bushings in your suspension.