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I had an accident with my 2008 Honda accord. Had the body work done but now the steering is very stiff. I changed the tie on the side affected by the accident. I have tried a new pump but the problem is still there. Thank you
Country: United StatesMake: HondaModel: AccordYear: 2008 Already Tried: Changed power steering pump
Hello and Welcome to Just Answer. My name is XXXXX XXXXX X will try my best to assist you and your 100% satisfaction is my goal. I have been working on these vehicles for over 10 years so I am very familiar with this system and how they work. However, keep in mind, that I need some solid concrete facts/evidence/clues from you in order to give you a good answer about your vehicle. Please realize that all my answers are based solely on the info that you provide me with.Because i cannot see your vehicle I don't know what is wrong with it. However, I can walk you through some tests that will help you pinpoint the issue.Let me start by asking a few questions.Does the vehicle pull either to the left or the right when driving after the accident?Is the steering wheel off center when driving straight?Have you tried to move the tires to the left or right with the front tires off of the ground with the engine off?
Not sure if the car pulls, I haven't driven it for any distance because of the problem.With the tire off the ground and wheels off, it is a bit free.
Ok.. if the wheels turn free back and forth and none of the front end parts are binding up, then the problem has to be related to the power steering. This would be the only possible cause. Keep in mind, that the vehicle may need an alignment. Wheels that are out of alignment can cause the steering to be harder than normal.. but this should not prevent the power steering from working all together. With that said, check the power steering system. Be sure that the new pump is producing plenty of pressure when the engine is running and while turning the wheel. Also, be sure that the power steering lines are not pinched or kinked in anyway restriction the power steering fluid which would cause no power steering. Last but not lease would be the rack and pinion. It could be bad or it may not be getting enough fluid flow because of the new pump or one of the power steering lines for some reason.
The two (the old & the new) pumps appear ok, there is no way of confirming the pressure it is delivering. All that is left is the rack and pinion, I just cannot figure out what can go wrong with it.
It could simply be a coincidence.. but again, don't forget to check the power steering lines. There is no way that I am aware of to test the rack and pinion. Basically everything else needs to be ruled out first to determine the rack is bad.
Experience: ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN ADVANCED SPECIALIST