beeker

I had an 89 Acura Legend in which the speed-sensitive, variable power-assisted steering was extremely different between parking lot and highway speeds. In fact, it was perfect. The used, Acura-certified 2003 Acura TL I just bought is great on the highway, but doesn't have much assist at parking lot speeds--I can't turn it with two fingers like I could the Legend.

Is this normal 2003 TL power steering, or is there an adjustment that can make the steering like my old Legend (which almost seemed detached from the wheels when sitting still)?

Rpappi

i noticed that and my fiancee doesnt like to drive the TL because of that. (which i really dont mind that she doesnt like to drive it)

but i think it has something to do with all the power going to the front wheels and creating torque steer. having the steering alittle heavy would make it harder to get torque steer. so i would think.

beeker

I'd believe you if I hadn't owned a 17-yr old Acura that also had front-wheel drive, no torque steer problems on hard acceleration, and GREAT power assist when parking. Any other responses?

PenancE

normal? who really cares, i dont finger my wheel, i grip it.

beeker

I wanted to know if it's normal because if it's not, I want it fixed! I like palming my steering wheel when doing sharp turns in a parking lot, not gripping it, and it's not easy to do that with this car. They got so much right with this car, but the variable assist works worse than an equivalent car from 17 years ago. Sigh....

bkzjimmy

mine is really easy to turn at any speed. did u check your fluid? or maybe your belts need to be lubed??

Rpappi

its normal i have had some high powered cars and not alot of torque steer but this car does have quite a bit. in any case it was just a guess. also it is normal dont worry about it nothing that i know of (plausable) is going to fix it.

03CoupeV6

My TL-P's steering is also extremely heavy. I prefer the Camry's steering, personally. It's easier and more precise. Then again, I was once a TL fan but my TL has made me wonder if Acura really knew what they were doing at all.

beeker

I found an identical 2003 TL in my work parking lot today, with the driver in it. I verified that the power steering, when sitting still with the car in park, works exactly the same in both cars. So I'm convinced the steering is just designed heavy.

My dealership service manager also confirmed today there is no adjustment. So there's nothing left to do but end this thread and enjoy everything I LIKE about my TL. Thanks for the input.

smcafee

I'm re-awakening this old thread to address that same heavy steering issue.

I own both a 2002 TL-S and a newly acquired 2003 TL-S.

It is quite apparent that the 2003 steering requires significantly more turning effort at all speeds over the 2002 when driven back to back.

I consider the 2002 effort to be spot-on (for the required effort) and the 2003 to be too high (as described by beeker). The 2003 almost feels like manual steering.

I'll investigate and reports back here. My initial thought is that Acura modified the steering effort for some unpublished reason.

SuperGreg

That's odd. I have a 2002 Type-S and can turn the wheel with one finger at low speed. Anybody know if there are actual part differences listed between '02 and '03 models? Aside from Type-S being different than TL-P.

thoiboi

Maybe it's just your power steering pump on its way out?