I just posted an O2 sensor problem and now this. So, on my 95 honda civic with power steering, sometimes when I turn a corner to the right, I feel smoothness and then all of a sudden the steering wheel gives a little and stabilizes again. Today I was sitting in the drive through lane of McD's and I decided to just play with the steering and I took the wheel to the right, I felt it give a bit, then let go and it went to the left and then to the right and then to the left about a 1/3 turn each way ALL BY ITSELF, as if it was possessed. I took it to the Honda dealership who wanted 50$ to take a look at it, and of course it wouldn't do the ghost thing there. Do I need a new rack or is this something else? Why would it move back and forth by itself is what I really want explained to me. Thanks again in advance.
Steve

Before doing anything else, flush the power steering system and refill with Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid. You can do a partial change by using a battery squeeze bulb to remove fluid from the power steering reservoir and refilling. Do this a number of times and you may save yourself $2,000 from having the replace the rack and gear assembly. I change part of the power steering fluid in my 1993 Civic each year. The Honda fluid is a partial synthetic product.

After flushing the system, place the front end on jack stands, start the engine and rotate the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times, to purge the system of air. In fact, the problem you are experiencing may only be entrapped air, so you might want to do this anyhow.

Well thanks again. The problem started a day or so AFTER flushing the power steering so everything makes sense. I got my wife to turn the wheel from left to right all th eway a few times, but I guess it wasn't enough. I redid it today after your post and it's back to smooooooth. Thanks a lot. The Honda repair guy said it would cost ~550$! I found a steering rack online for 260 and they would take mine back and give me 160 for it so if I did it myself (which I don't have to now), it would only cost me 160$. Thanks again!
Regards,
Steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by txgreasemonkey

Before doing anything else, flush the power steering system and refill with Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid. You can do a partial change by using a battery squeeze bulb to remove fluid from the power steering reservoir and refilling. Do this a number of times and you may save yourself $2,000 from having the replace the rack and gear assembly. I change part of the power steering fluid in my 1993 Civic each year. The Honda fluid is a partial synthetic product.

After flushing the system, place the front end on jack stands, start the engine and rotate the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times, to purge the system of air. In fact, the problem you are experiencing may only be entrapped air, so you might want to do this anyhow.

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OK so I did the lock to lock and everything is smoother, but now, sometimes, I hear a cracking sound when I am turning my wheel and only, I think, in left turns. Not always. Is this pointing to the steering rack again or is this something else. It kind of sounds like iot is coming from behind the steering wheel or maybe a little lower. I don't know if the rack could transmit sounds up the column so that it sounds like that or what. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Txgreasemonkey is an awesome resource!
Regards,
Steve

You should check your CV joints. On a large parking lot, turn the wheel all the way to the left and back up in reverse and go in circles. Do you hear a weird clicking noise? Then, do the same thing but turn the wheel all the way to the right.

You may want to get an inexpensive mechanic's stethoscope (Harbor Freight) and see if it can help you isolate the noise.