Over the last 6 months or so I've noticed a power steering issue with my manual TL. It only happens at very low speeds (1st gear or in reverse obviously), but once I'm moving the power steering works like it should.

When it first started it was a very slight loss of power, now, 6 months later, it feels like there is no power steering at all when I'm backing out of a parking spot or maneuvering slowly. But like I said, after I get moving it's fine. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

 

Did you check the fluid level? It's the thing under the hood connected to the P/S pump. It has two hoses coming off it and a little red cap, passenger side. It should be halfway filled, or more. As long as its above the min level marked, it should be OK. It should never be low unless you have a leak.

You most likely have a leak somewhere in your P/S system. These P/S systems are known to have a faulty o-ring. If the leak is on the suction side, it will suck air, typically making a noise and reducing the effectiveness of the pump. This aeration can cause your P/S to overflow out of the reservoir, which could lead to low level. This is well documented on the forums.

 

Fluid level is fine, although it does look a little dark. I will probably flush and replace that soon with OEM fluid.

I noticed the other threads on the P/S system leaks, and I was planning on replacing that o-ring soon since it's winning a bit in the cold. But I didn't know that this slight aeration was most likely causing the loss of power. I'll start with the o-ring and see if it fixes the problem.

Thanks much for your time @zomgvtek

 

Next time you notice the problem, if you can try and pop the hood and check if the P/S reservoir has bubbles in it.

The pump itself is quite reliable, its more likely you have a leak somewhere and its sucking a bit of air. The darker color is fairly common, and not a cause for concern. I would inspect what you can on the P/S system for any obvious problems, and order some Honda/Acura P/S fluid and the O ring. Might as well replace the O ring while you have the system open. It's easy, cheap, and you probably need to order the fluid from the dealer anyways.

Did you ever notice if the P/S starts working better if you rock the wheel back and forth? Say, after you make a turn? Or is it just too difficult to turn the wheel? How does the power cut in and out, is it immediate and sporadic?

 

The cut out was sporadic.

Quick update: I replaced the P/S o-ring and did a fluid flush for the sake of removing the slight whine and this issue with the power steering at low speeds is now resolved as well. All good news all around. Thanks for your time @zomgvtek!