Hi All:

I have a 2007 TLS with a 6 Speed. Lately the car has developed a steering issue that I will try to describe. Current 111K Miles

1. Moaning sound when turning. This was a problem 21000 miles ago.
2. Steering feels very stiff, and notchy on regular driving. When turning to full lock, its almost stuck. If I give it extra gas it frees up. This leads me to think its teh pump??
3. My independent repair guy says it possibly needs a new steering rack. The problem is that the Rack and Steering Pump were replaced by Acura 21000 miles ago at 90000 miles. These are his comments

"No Power in Stering when turning sharp. Rack and Pinion has low power when driving"

I looked at my repair order and nowhere does it say reconditioned. Is this normal? I have never had a car where a new rack goes out at 21000 miles..I spoke to Acura and tehy say that the parts are only warrantied for 12K miles or 12 months, so I am outside the waranty. Car goes to the dealer next week, so lets see if they are willing to help.

Any advice or suggestions are welcome.

Thank you

 

No one wants to weigh in here? Help!

 

Hey there, seems to me like your power steering pump is cracked/ starting to fail. I just had this problem with my '04 TL (6 speed) last week. Just hit 155k miles. Had the same screeching sound and noticed a small leak. Took it in and my guy said that my pump was cracked and it would have to be replaced. The pump, reservoir, and several hoses have to be replaced at the same time. The pump itself will run you about $500, and the other parts are probably combined about $100 or so.
Sounds to me like the pump is just not any good and has failed again. The reason the parts are only warrantied for 12 months is because of how cheap they are. I'd go to your independent dealer and have him put in an OEM Acura/ Honda steering pump in. Just basically relaying to you what my guy told me last week. Hope this helps

PS. If the Acura dealer is wiling to work with you, by all means have them get the parts because you know they will be genuine, they just charge out the a** for labor.

 

Rockauto has ps pumps for $200 and less, honestly try it out. When you send in your core it's even cheaper.

 

OP, I have read somewhere that our PS reservoir has a mesh type filter underneath the plastic container, sometimes that thing gets clogged, so fluid can not pass through easily. I would check this as this is a simple fix and worth a try and might fix your issue . The only problem that happens on a rack is a leaking issue, this is the most common problem. If yours is not leaking, then check the reservoir or change it out, check your PS pump, and lines and the cooler unit.

 

So thankfully, the parts that were replaced 21K miles ago, are covered by Acura for 3 years. Tokk the car in, the tech at first said there was no problem (usual!). On pushing it further, they diagnosed it to be the PS pump. PS pump replaced under warranty, and steering is fine, except for the "moaning" sound that still occurs. On the shake from the front end on acceleration, they could not find the problem again. My independent tech took it for a drive, and as expected. its the inner joint on the axle, that gets fiixed next week.

Thanks for all the help.