so when i turn the steering wheel, especially when i get all the way to the left or right and hold it there, i notice a more pronounced vibration sound (rumble) and feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel...

does this mean that my PS fluid is old, or maybe it doesn't mean anything, or maybe it means something else. you guys ever notice this?

thanks

btw: i notice this when the car is not moving, like at one point of a three point turn

 

Check your PS fluid, if its dark and hasnt been changed in 5 years it might help. But I wouldn't worry about anything else.
If Im wrong someone else can correct me.

 

When you turn lock to lock, the PS pump is working at its maximum, so theres more of a vibration. Pretty much normal, I think.

 

suck old fluid out of reservoir with a turkey baster, and replace with fresh honda fluid.

it's very easy, and maybe it will help with your issue...

good luck

start with the easy/small stuff, then work your way up (pump)

 

Could be a bunch of stuff.

1) Check the level of the PS fluid. If low top it off WITH HONDA fluid. Dept store stuff isn't compatible. There are some that say they are just for Honda but for the extra $1 get the real stuff at a Honda or Acura dealer. I don't think old fluid alone would cause your problem unless you've mixed a fair amount of non-Honda fluid in there. Then you could have foaming and other issues that could cause your symptoms

2) Is it the engine vibrating, not the steering wheel itself? If engine, and at idle, then it could be the power steering pressure switch or it's wiring. Problems with that will cause an idle drop when you steer at idle and could be felt as vibration.

3) If you are sure it's not the engine idle drop and the steering wheel is actually kicking/vibrating and you have good fluid levels then it could be the accessory belt slipping. When's the last time it was replaced?

If you are all the above is OK then could be other issues like pump, rack, etc. Let's not go there yet.

You didn't say but are there any sounds? Whining, chirping, etc?

 

thanks for the suggestions.

I'll check the PS fluid...need to buy another turkey baster cause i actually use mine for turkey and i wouldn't want to mix the two up

i'm not sure if it's the engine, that's a good point, it's possible. how do i check the steering pressure switch?

the rpm doesn't drop or anything when i feel the vibration, does that still mean it could be idle drop?

i don't notice any real performance issues with the power steering, just the vibration when locked fully left or right at idle (possibly under load, but i can't feel).

it doesn't kick so much that i'm startled by it, just noticeable compared with straight driving. as some of you suggested, that might be normal too.

i don't think i noticed it on my 03 accord or on my wife's 08 accord, but the 08, or various other vehicles i drive occasionally for work (ford focus, some others).

the 08 accord has some really soft power steering though, soft as in the PS is really powerful and you almost don't even feel any feedback (which i don't like). i remember when i was shopping around and tested a 4G TL non-AWD...and it was the same way, super soft PS couldn't even feel the road, didn't like the lazy Toyota-esque feeling, haha.

will report back with what i find