I replaced my pump today, and did the 'Bleeding' as my Chilton's manual described.. (Turned wheels back and forth to full lock several times).. Pump at first made a grinding noise as I turned the wheels, but eventually stopped as the fluid pumped up into it. No more loud noises/grinding coming from this pump like my old one.. so my car sounds smoother. The thing is though, I haven't noticed a difference in steering. Obviously while driving, it's easy to steer anyway.. but while parked, or pulling out of my driveway it felt just as hard to steer. I let my car sit for an hour or so while I took a shower and ate.. when I started it to leave, my steering wheel actually turned very easily compared to before and I watched the fluid level go down as I turned the wheel. Turned easily a few times back and forth and made a slight grinding noise as if the pump was re-priming itself.. but then it went back to being hard to steer while parked again. No grinding noises, no leaking, nothing bad that I can see.. but steering still feels hard. Anyone know what may cause this?

 

You mentioned that the fluid level went down at some point? perhaps you have an air pocket in one of the lines, try re-bleeding the system and double check the fluid level

 

Bleeding - turn wheels both ways to full lock several times? or is there something else I need to do?

Car's cooling off right now.. I'll go check the level when it's cold and add if needed. Thanks man!

 

from what I see in the manual also that should be all you need to do but MAKE CERTAIN that you used Honda power steering fluid, if you used and off brand or a non honda specific fluid that is going to cause you issues, start by filling the resevoir to the max line and then lock to lock and that should about do it... Make sure that the fluid is right though...

 

I used Honda fluid.. not sure what the previous owner used though

 

I know I've seen info about this all over this forum before but typically it's air in the lines or bad fluid.... the manual I have states the same as yours though, start the car, let it run for a few minutes, turn it all the way one way then back several times and check the fluid level....

 

Then the fluid level needs to be rechecked after it sits for a bit.

 

Thanks for the followup chiovnidca... I've almost never had to do work on a power steering system (knock on wood) so it's great to have guys like you who have done it personally

 

it's weird.. it just works randomly lol.

 

the guy i bought it from on ebay said i do have a 30 day warranty, BUT he said it sounds like a rack & pinion problem.

anyone know how i could check this, or how hard they are to replace? i found used rack & pinions on ebay for $75 plus shipping..