Honda CRV Power Steering - Heavy!
Discussion
I have a 2002 auto CRV. It has done 99k miles. I have had it for 8 months and it has always had heavy steering at lower speed, and it isn't exactly as light as a feather at higher speeds.
I am wondering if it is worth changing the pump for a second hand (known to be good) one? A few times now I have heard a slight whine on a cold start, for a second or so and also when putting it into drive or reverse for the first few minutes and then also when it was idling cold, it whined for a minute or so. It had a new alternator belt 6 months ago, but this belt squeals when going through puddles, so I am also wondering if that could be part of the issue, it did still have heavy steering beforehand though.
I don't believe it is just how the vehicle is, because it really does take some effort when moving at parking speeds, definitely no one-handed steering.
I refreshed the power steering fluid a few months ago using a turkey baster and sucked it out of the reservoir, I did this 3 times I believe. The fluid is now quite dark again, so i doubt I got all of it when I changed it. Again, this could possibly be the problem?
I have tried revving the engine in neutral, this doesn't make the steering any lighter. I have no bubbles or foam in the reservoir really either. I have ordered some o-rings for the inlet hose just as a precaution.
Had it whined all the time when cold, i'd have put a new pump in without thinking, but it is odd that it is only very recently and for a very short time (all in different scenarios as well!)
Any ideas? It is a car that I had wanted for a long time, but the heavy steering really puts a dampener on it!
I am wondering if it is worth changing the pump for a second hand (known to be good) one? A few times now I have heard a slight whine on a cold start, for a second or so and also when putting it into drive or reverse for the first few minutes and then also when it was idling cold, it whined for a minute or so. It had a new alternator belt 6 months ago, but this belt squeals when going through puddles, so I am also wondering if that could be part of the issue, it did still have heavy steering beforehand though.
I don't believe it is just how the vehicle is, because it really does take some effort when moving at parking speeds, definitely no one-handed steering.
I refreshed the power steering fluid a few months ago using a turkey baster and sucked it out of the reservoir, I did this 3 times I believe. The fluid is now quite dark again, so i doubt I got all of it when I changed it. Again, this could possibly be the problem?
I have tried revving the engine in neutral, this doesn't make the steering any lighter. I have no bubbles or foam in the reservoir really either. I have ordered some o-rings for the inlet hose just as a precaution.
Had it whined all the time when cold, i'd have put a new pump in without thinking, but it is odd that it is only very recently and for a very short time (all in different scenarios as well!)
Any ideas? It is a car that I had wanted for a long time, but the heavy steering really puts a dampener on it!
Edited by gman88667733 on Thursday 27th February 15:12
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