OK_TL04

Just replaced the timing belt on our 2008 MDX and my wife is saying the steering feels completely different now. Heavier / tighter than before. Harder to turn. Has anyone else experienced it. She drives it more than I do so I can't comment on it. Thoughts on this oh great Acurazine community!

Skirmich

That is weird the only thing that gets mixed with the T-Belt job is the removal of the PS Belt but the PS Pump itself just get moved out of the way...
If everything gets put together the way it was the PS feeling should not be any different than before.

Have you check for PS Fluid Level and Noises?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

agreed. when taking off the timing belt, the power steering pump gets removed.
this means, the power steering pump or reservoir MIGHT have air in it from the installation

go back to shop
or look at reservoir to see if at full mark.

Carpayment4life

If the level is low:
When the shop did the TB job, they may have cracked a plastic part associated with the power steering fluid system.
Check the level and dry off any wetness on the lines around the PS reservoir-back to the pump.

CurrentDraw

There is a service bulletin associated with the same complaint of hard steering on 07-10 MDX at idle and/or slow speeds, have you had this update performed?
It was covered under warranty for 7 years/100k. Could be an ugly coincidence that it happened around the same time.

As someone mentioned above me make sure to check the power steering level at the reservoir. Although the pump should be making a high pitch whine whenever it is starved for fluid/low reservoir condition.

Did she get any other work done while in for the timing belt job. I have seen a change in steering resistance while changing from a set of oe Bridgestones to Michelins, steering resistance decreased .
Good luck sir.