Hi all... I have the same issue going on with a 2008 Accord 2.4 EX. The OEM steering pump got crazy noisy and there was no visible air in the fluid. The power steering worked perfectly just the pump was noisy. Replacing it was suggested. Put a reman in and followed all the flush and bleed instructions to the letter. Pump noise is gone but the steering it stiff and sporadic. It was suggested that the reman might be bad so I got another one. No help same problem. I read somewhere about applying a vacuum pump to the system to get the air out. Has anyone done this with success?

 

Did you replace the fluid with Acura/Honda approved fluid?

 

Yes, I did use honda fluid. The interesting thing is that while driving the steering works fine. It's when you come to a stop or slow down for a corner that it becomes stiff. At a stop light, you cannot turn the wheel but as soon as you step on the gas, it frees up and works fine. Is the power steering in the 2008 EX 2.4 variable?

Thanks

 

ALSO... putting the car in neutral and revving the engine does nothing. Only the movement of the car changes it.

 

Are you getting any "foam or bubbles" in the ps res?

 

No, no air in the system. Fluid appears to move well through the system as well.

 

Looking at 08-10 shop manual, indicates to measure pressure boost at idle. It should be < 213 psi and pressure relief should occur at 1040-1140 psi. Testing this requires special fittings and equipment. Most honda shops should have them.

if pressures are OK, and steering resistance remains high, then something is wrong w/ rack. If pressures are out of spec, pump is at fault.

good luck