When it gets very cold out (~0 F) the steering in my 01 CL-S gets very stiff and unresponsive. I'm certain it has something to do with my power steering. Once the I've been driving the car for about 20-30 minutes (highway driving) the steering loosens up to normal. It never used to do this.

Tire pressures are completely fine, there are no strange noises when it happens, and the power steering fluid level is just above the min line on the reservoir. Do I just need to top off the fluid level, or is my power steering going bad? I'm concerned about losing power steering or getting into an accident because I might not be able to turn the wheel fast enough to avoid a sudden obstacle. The car is drivable but definitely not normal.

 

are you having to add p/s fluid to it?
if so, what kind are you adding?
when was the last time the p/s fluid was changed?

 

That's pretty cold! My steering stiffens up in 'severe' cold, but that's not even below freezing point around here...

Are you sure it's got the correct Honda/Acura PS fluid?

 

I have not been adding/having to add fluid. It's always been fine being changed at scheduled maintenance intervals. I cannot remember, but it may have been changed a year ago when I had new struts and the 105,000 mile service done. If the recommended maintenance listed here is correct, then it likely was NOT done. The problem has only occurred this winter.

 

I don't believe the fluid has been changed recently, but if it was it's possible the independent shop used the wrong fluid. I read recently that Honda/Acura uses a different kind of PS fluid than many other cars. Could that be my issue? I've read from similar problems other people have had that there possibly could be water contamination in the PS fluid that is freezing in the low temps. I'm probably going to have to take the car into a shop and have it looked at/tested. I don't have the means or the locale (it's currently -1 F outside) to change my PS fluid.

As I've said before, this is a new issue that's only come up recently. Starting out, the steering is very stiff and feels "notchy" in places, especially on center or when changing directions.

 

if your not adding fluid, then you can rule out a leak or loose suction hose that might be pulling air into the system. The P/S fluid should be very light in color, like a clear/golden color. if it is dark or cloudy i would see about getting it replaced and then reassessing it.

 

I just looked more closely at the PS fluid. It looks fine to me. I took a picture of some of fluid on a paper towel. Any dirt you see wasn't from the fluid (and no, I did not dip the towel into the reservoir).



PS fluid




I noticed there is no rubberized gasket in the PS fluid reservoir cap. Is this normal? Seems like a way to let moisture in, if that's even an issue. When I looked in the fluid, it looked like there was a fine layer of dust?? floating on the top. I'm certain it didn't fall in when I removed the cap, as I was careful not to introduce any contaminants into the system.

 

There is not a gasket for the reservoir cap. Power steering fluid is not hygroscopic, so moisture is not an issue unless you submerge the car. it looks fairly clean. you might want to wait for one of the more knowledgeable members to post up and see if they have an idea. I might consider a fluid change as a possible option just for piece of mind.

 

What happens at zero degrees stays at zero degrees, so I would not worry since it loosens up when warmer, and the fluid looks clean. Maybe let it idle a minute when it's that cold.

You could do the turkey baster drain and fill of the PS reservoir a few times with the Honda fluid, and not need a shop or tools -- besides the turkey baster....

 

I already let the car warm up for a good 5+ minutes before I drive anywhere in the winter unless I'm already out. It takes driving the car for more than 15 minutes for the steering to loosen up back to normal. The fact of the matter is that the car has never done this before in its entire history (I'm the original owner since new), so this is totally out of the norm. The car has spent its entire life in Minnesota so it isn't something I'm just "not used to."

I have a beater 01 Corolla that does not get garaged and does not exhibit the same behavior.

 

I'm having the exact same problem with my 01 CLS. Currently in a cold spell here in Northern VA. I'm the original owner and have never experienced this problem when the temperature is at ~10 F or lower.

 

I took the car in to Acura yesterday and had them look at it. They charged about 110 bucks for diagnostics and found a bad, worn out, leaking O-ring that connects to the power steering pump. They replaced it for only the cost of the diagnostics and said that should fix my issue. You might try taking yours into the dealer and having them look at it.

Make an appointment like I did and it should only take a couple of hours.

 

it's normal for the PS to be slightly stiff when the car is first turned on. Fluid is cold, suspension is cold, etc. Once you drive a few feet, it will return to normal as parts start to move.

 

I really don't know why you posted that. I said in my original post that the car never used to do this, and then in a more recent post that I've owned the car since new and the problem never occurred until now. Allow me to quote myself:

I also mentioned that the problem persisted for a while, and took about 20-30 minutes of highway driving to go away. You might want to read more thoroughly before you post.

 

lol man, don't get your panties in a bunch

You asked for help and as someone who lives in an area where it gets to be -26F or colder I just posted up that is normal for the car to be slightly stiffer when it is first turned on in colder weather...

the PS system in this car is self bleeding so if you got stiffness beyond the first few feet, you might want to look and see if you have a problem with your rack and pinion or PS pump. Have you ever changed the fluid? are you seeing bubbles in the reservoir? is the pump whining? belts squaling? Also what do you mean by may have been changed? it was or wasn't and looking at your paper towel I am guessing it was not.

so much for Minnesota nice ahahaha but I expect nothing less from the land of the liberal...