[tspoon84]

Hi,

I just bought a 93 honda accord automatic with 144K miles. The only problem it seems to have is that the steering is a bit sluggish and rough, and when I am taking a turn the steering wheel does not return to center. I have had the front 2 shocks replaced because of broken springs, and the tires are all inflated properly. Also, sometimes at a certain degree of turning, I can hear a sort of whining/squeaking. I do know that it is definitely not the power steering belt though.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[RickMN]

This can be caused by several things: Worn bearing plates at the top of the strut, worn lower ball joints, or worn inner or outer tie rod ends. Since you hear squeaking, I'd have your steering checked immediately with an electronic stethoscope. They attach wireless microphones to those components and drive the vehicle while they switch from one mic to the next. That will nail down the noise maker.

To nail down the return problem, they may have to disconnect some components and operate the rack to see where it's binding up.