More recently I've noticed that I have a really hard time steering my car when I'm driving on the interstate. about 75 and up. I have a 2006 Acura TL with about 112,000 miles on it. I just put on new tires about 20,000 miles ago and was told recently that they were the wrong tires for my car. I think that they said it was not the recommended tread and Acura said that it would effect my performance, but I'm not sure what that means. When I drive on the interstate, I barely have to touch the steering wheel and it'll go left or right. It's very hard to keep it going straight continually. Do you think that it is my tires or could it be my power steering? Acura also told me that my power steering fluid needs to be flushed (a while back), would that have anything to do with it too?

 

Welcome Grisham312 !!!
Assuming that you have the "OEM" stock rims, suspension, and proper recommended tire sizing......what kind of tread is on the tires ? There are specially compounded tires which are designed for better handling summer performance use or others specifically made for winter driving.

If the steering seems somewhat overly sensitive at higher speeds, it could be that the tire's air pressure is off or the suspension is in need of attention. When was the last alignment ? Do you rotate the tires ? Does the car tend to wander or drift to one side by itself ?

 

Welcome grisham312.


I would say start with the power steering fluid. Your car stock runs 215/50/17.


Also you have a third gen TL and you are in the second gen TL forum.

 

wait wait wait wait, lets back up.

if tires are BALD, could affect freeway steering
if alignment is off, could affect freeway steering
low power steering fluid would make it MORE difficult to steer, and would stiffen up if low. not the other way around.

worn suspension components, especially the rack and pinion could affect freeway driving.

we just dont know without inspecting the car, and its kind of hard to do that over the internet.
I would make sure tires are not bald and that alignment is spot on.
after you get these two issues sorted out, the alignment can tell you if you need a rack and pinion.

 

So spend a hondo on an alignment and another 6 bills on tires when it might be as simple as a power steering fluid flush and fill? The dealership is expensive but they are not going to give you a wrong diagnosis.

 

^yes they will. this is a used car. Honda already has gotten money from the sale of this car, brand new.
How do you think dealers make money off of used cars? SERVICE!!!!!! and by up selling items.

plus, we didnt even get a straight answer from the OP.(if you could read that mess, props to you)


I would get alignment done, because alignment is sort of a test and will help diagnose further problems.
for example, if you cannot get alignment to be true, a suspension piece is worn. either bushings or steering rack and pinon

 

Were you experiencing this steering sensitivity when the tires were newly installed ?
It could be that 20,000 miles of wear and possible neglect are causing the present issue.

Have the tires and suspension checked at an alignment shop.
Normally they will give you a free inspection and estimate of any necessary repairs.

 

I have the exact same Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires on my 2014 TL SH-AWD. Also having heavy steering, just doesn't feel right. Looking on the site now for three season tires to replace them.

Took into the shop this week and they couldn't find any other issues. Did say it could be the tires. Tires 3-4 years old. Plenty of tread, just the handling feels off. Also feels like there is increased rolling resistance, just feel harder to get the wheels moving.

Honestly I would recommend just replacing them.