Honda Element. Manual - part 750

7. Adjust the rack guide (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ), and retest. 

Is the steering OK?  

YES -Repair is completed. 

NO -Faulty gearbox. 

8. Check the outlet and return hoses and lines between the pump and the gearbox for clogging and 

deformation. 

Are the lines clogged or deformed?  

YES -Repair or replace the lines. 

NO -Faulty valve body unit. 

9. Disassemble the pump (see PUMP OVERHAUL ).  

10. Check the pressure control valve for smooth movement and leaks (see step 16 ). 

Is the pressure control valve OK?  

YES -Faulty pump assembly. 

NO -Faulty pressure control valve. 

11. Check the cylinder lines for deformation (see FLUID LEAKAGE INSPECTION ). 

Are any of the lines deformed?  

YES -Replace the deformed line. 

NO -Go to step 12. 

12. Check for a bent rack shaft or misadjusted rack guide (too tight). 

Is the rack shaft bent or the rack guide adjusted too tight?  

YES -Replace the rack shaft, or readjust the rack guide. 

NO -Faulty valve body unit. 

STEERING WHEEL ROTATIONAL PLAY CHECK 

1. Turn the front wheels to the straight ahead position. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

  

2. Measure how far you can turn the steering wheel left and right without moving the front wheels. 



If the play is within the limit, the gearbox and linkages are OK.  



If the play exceeds the limit, adjust the rack guide (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ). If the 
play is still excessive after rack guide adjustment, inspect the steering linkage and gearbox (see 
STEERING LINKAGE AND GEARBOX INSPECTION ).  

Rotational play: 0-10 mm (0-0.39 in.)  

Fig. 3: Identifying Steering Wheel Play 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

POWER ASSIST CHECK 

1. Check the power steering fluid level (see FLUID REPLACEMENT ).  

2. Start the engine, let it idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up the 

fluid.  

3. Attach a commercially available spring scale to the steering wheel. With the engine idling and the vehicle 

on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn. 



If the scale reads no more than the specification, the gearbox and pump are OK.  



If the scale reads more than the specification, troubleshoot the steering system (see SYMPTOM 
TROUBLESHOOTING ).  

Initial turning load: 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6 lbf)

NOTE:

This test should be done with original equipment tires and wheels at the correct 
tire pressure.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

  

Fig. 4: Attaching Commercially Available Spring Scale To Steering Wheel 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

STEERING LINKAGE AND GEARBOX INSPECTION 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

  

Fig. 5: Identifying Steering Linkage And Gearbox Components
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 

Special Tools Required  



P/S joint adapter (pump) 07VAK-P8A011A  



P/S joint adapter plate (pump) 07ZAK-S7CA100  



P/S joint adapter (hose) 07ZAK-S7CA200  



P/S pressure gauge 07406-0010001  

Check the fluid pressure as follows to determine whether the trouble is in the pump or gearbox. 

1. Check the power steering fluid level (see FLUID REPLACEMENT ).  

2. Disconnect the pump outlet hose (A) from the pump outlet with care so as not to spill the power steering 

fluid on the frame and other parts, then install the P/S joint adapter (pump) on the pump outlet (B). 

Fig. 6: Identifying Pump Outlet Hose And Pump Outlet With Torque Specification 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Connect the P/S joint adapter (hose) to the P/S pressure gauge, then connect the pump outlet hose to the 

P/S joint adapter (hose).  

4. Install the P/S pressure gauge to the P/S joint adapter (pump).  

5. Fully open the shut-off valve (A). 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element