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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA20043.5RLREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)EXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 53 (POWER STEERING SYSTEM)HARD STEERING TROUBLESHOOTING
2004 Acura 3.5RL

Hard Steering Troubleshooting

2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Hard Steering Troubleshooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002 Acura 3.2CL, and 2001 Acura 3.2CL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Check the power assist (see POWER ASSIST CHECK ).

    Is the power assist more than 28 N (2.9 kgf, 6.4 lbf)  ?

    1. YES  : Go to step 2.
    2. NO  : Power assist is OK.
  2. Measure steady-state fluid pressure from the pump at idle with T/N 07406- 0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ), or T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A ).

    Is the pressure 1,500 kPa (15 kgf/cm 2  ,213 psi) or less  ?

    1. YES  : Go to step 3.
    2. NO  : Go to step  7.
  3. Measure the pump relief pressure at idle with T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ), with T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A ).

    Is the pressure 7,600- 8,300 kPa (78- 85 kgf/cm 2  , 1,110- 1,210 psi) or less  ?

    1. YES  : Go to step 3.
    2. NO  : Replace the power steering pump.
  4. With a spring scale, measure the power assist in both directions, to the left and to the right.

    Are the two measurements within 5.0 N (0.51 kgf,1.12 lbf) of each other  ?

    1. YES  : Go to step 5.
    2. NO  : Go to step  8.
  5. Measure the fluid pressure with both pressure gauge valves open (if so equipped), while turning the steering wheel fully to the left and fully to the right.

    Is the pressure 7,600-8,300 kPa (78-85 kgf/cm 2  , 1,110- 1,210 psi) or less  ?

    1. YES  : Go to step 6.
    2. NO  : Faulty gearbox.
  6. Adjust the rack guide (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ), and retest.

    Is the steering OK  ?

    1. YES  : Repair is completed.
    2. NO  : Faulty gearbox.
  7. Check for the supply and return lines between the pump and the gearbox for clogging and deformation.

    Are the lines clogged or deformed? 

    1. YES  : Repair or replace the lines.
    2. NO  : Faulty valve body unit.
  8. Check the cylinder lines A and B for deformation (see STEERING LINKAGE AND GEARBOX INSPECTION ).

    Are the A or B lines deformed  ?

    1. YES  : Replace the lines.
    2. NO  : Go to step 9.
  9. Check for a bent rack shaft or misadjusted rack guide (too tight).

    Is the rack shaft bent or the rack guide adjusted too tight? 

    1. YES  : Replace the rack shaft or readjust the rack guide.
    2. NO  : Faulty valve body unit.
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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

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