When I turn, the steering wheel feels jerky and when I go out of a turn the steering wheel is moving back as if notch by notch, the front wheels straighten, but not in a smooth motion. Sort of like the second hand of a clock moving from 50 to 60 - tick, tick, tick - the steering wheel does exactly that and then stabilizes where it is supposed to.

2004, 44K. I have just had the wheels balanced. The right rear rim is bent (but no leak) and the tech had a hard time balancing that wheel (they claimed they did, I am skeptical and will replace it). The rear right end was out of alignment and the tire has some cupping, but it is an almost new wheel. When I drive there is some minor vibration due to the cupping, but the steering wheel problem stems from something else, correct? It is most noticeable at low speeds when I come out from 90 degree turns.

 

I've never felt that before but I suppose it could be some wear within the cups of the CV joints. My friend's '03 had something similar in long sweeping turns--the wheel would rock back and forth a little, and it almost felt like the power assist changing. He changed tires shortly thereafter and it mostly went away.

We later blamed it on crappy tires interacting negatively with Honda's not-so-great variable power assist design. If the assist were based on road speed like a proper variable assist power steering system, bad tires wouldn't create that situation and you'd generally get clearer feedback in the steering when the road is slippery, grippy, smooth, rough, etc.

 

This is exactly it - the steering wheel slightly rocks back and forth in long sweeping turns. But I can feel it at slow speeds as well. How much is a CV joint job for a 2004 TL?

A more general question. The car was checked out by a reputable import auto shop prior to my purchasing it. They test drove it as well - $100 total. If this is indeed a steering problem would it be reasonable to ask them to split the repair cost?

 

My car has the same characteristic. It has new tires, fluid change, new axles on both sides (warranty) and it still does it. I think it has to do with how the system is designed. It feels jerky while on sweeping on ramps. I don't know if these cars have a variable assist or not, if so that could have something to do with it.

 

Is the PS fluid full? Does it smell funny? Is there a leak at the steering rack?

No a shop that does an inspection cannot be expected to see all the future needs of your car
dont bother asking them to split a repair with you unless you have been a customer of theirs for years and spent thousands there already.

Have you gone to the dealer and driven other TLs to see if its normal
Maybe having the dealer look at it?
Calling Acura and making a report- ask if its normal
1-800-382-2238 x5

 

The answers are yes, no, no. Can it be some play in the steering rack? I would hate to have to pay high $ for this repair...

I understand your answer about the shop but when I buy a $100 inspection I expect it to be some sort of short-term insurance. If they missed a problem - they should be semi-liable, if they did not - no question. I will politely talk to them in good faith without expectations, but sometimes one gets something just for asking. I have found that a friendly approach goes much farther than a rant.

 

As we found on my friend's '03, it was largely attributable to the tires. What happens if you rotate the tires? Do the symptoms change?