Power Steering is hard

[cordy1]

The power steering on my 01 Accord is not as easy to turn as it use to be.
It is a 4cyl with about 200K miles on it and over a period of 3-4 mths it seems to have gradually gotten harder to turn. The steering feels as if the front tires are only 70% inflated however the the tire presssure is up to spec, the power steering fluid is good, the belt tension is also good.
Just wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar problem or may know what I can try to resolve the issue. Not sure if its the power steering pump that is getting weak with this mileage or and issue with the steering rack.

Thanks

 

[98ExAccordwv]

Have you checked the fluid? Could possibly be a bad pump...or a bad rack. Mine has been having some issues and I've yet to narrow it down, other than the fluid.

 

[juiCyyaccOrd]

^ i concur.
i had same problem, and it was low fluids

 

[SykVSyx]

When you say the "power fluid is good", do you mean the colour or level?

Hard not to notice one or the other when you are checking.

If that's all good, then it sounds like there may be a block or something.

 

[98ExAccordwv]

When you say the "power fluid is good", do you mean the colour or level?

Hard not to notice one or the other when you are checking.

If that's all good, then it sounds like there may be a block or something.

I read the post like 3 times before I posted to see if he mentioned the fluid and didn't see it until I read it again after reading your post...I'm retarded.

 

[juiCyyaccOrd]

^
LOL, i didn't see that either!!! bahaha

 

[cordy1]

When you say the "power fluid is good", do you mean the colour or level?

Hard not to notice one or the other when you are checking.

If that's all good, then it sounds like there may be a block or something.

Sorry, I meant to say the fluid level is good. As you mentioned it is hard to know the difference in color. I do recall that couple years ago I drained the power steering reservoir (did not get it flushed) refilled it with new Honda PS fluid. It has been going well until recently. As per blockage, I will check the screen at the bottom of the reservoir just in case.

 

[fastflyinaccord]

When you say the "power fluid is good", do you mean the colour or level?

Hard not to notice one or the other when you are checking.

If that's all good, then it sounds like there may be a block or something.

Sorry, I meant to say the fluid level is good. As you mentioned it is hard to know the difference in color. I do recall that couple years ago I drained the power steering reservoir (did not get it flushed) refilled it with new Honda PS fluid. It has been going well until recently. As per blockage, I will check the screen at the bottom of the reservoir just in case.

He said it is hard to not notice the color or level when checking for one or the other...What color is the fluid?

 

[cordy1]

Duh, I should read properly!!

Anyway, I had a closer look today and the color of the fluid is sort of a copper/goldish color. I compared it with a another honda car and it is the same color.
I did notice that the power steering pump is quite moist with fluid all around more so towards the bottom of the pump, this is not the case with the other honda car it is completely dry.

It is kinda strange though that if the pump was leaking why the fluid level never drops from the top fill line. Does anyone know if these pumps are serviceable?

 

[Tphong]

Check if your belt was loose?