Acura TSX / Honda Accord CL. Manual - part 184

Fig. 4: Symptom Troubleshooting Index 

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING 

HARD STEERING 

1. Check the power assist (see POWER ASSIST CHECK ). 

Is the starting load more than 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6 lbf)? 

YES: Go to step 2.  

NO: Power assist is OK.  

2. Measure steady-state fluid pressure from the pump at idle with T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP 

PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ) or T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE 
TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A ). 

Is the pressure 1,500 kPa (15 kgf/cm

2

 , 213 psi) or less? 

YES: Go to step 3.  

NO: Go to step 7 .  

3. Measure the pump relief pressure at idle with T/N 07406-0010001 (see step 10 of PUMP PRESSURE 

TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ) or T/N 07406-001000A (see step 9 of PUMP PRESSURE TEST 
WITH T/N 07406-001000A ). 

Is the pressure 7,850-8,550 kPa (80-87 kgf/cm

2

 , 1,140-1,240 psi)? 

YES: Go to step 4.  

NO: Faulty pump assembly.  

4. With a spring scale, measure the power assist in both directions, to the left and to the right. 

Are the two measurements within 2.9 N (0.3 kgf, 0.66 lbf) of each other? 

YES: Go to step 5.  

NO: Go to step 8 .  

5. Measure the fluid pressure with both pressure gauge valves open (if so equipped), while turning the 

steering wheel fully to the left and fully to the right. 

Is the pressure 7,850-8,550 kPa (80-87 kgf/cm

2

 , 1,140-1,240 psi)? 

YES: Go to step 6.  

NO: Faulty gearbox.  

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

Is the steering OK? 

YES: Repair is completed.  

NO: Faulty gearbox.  

7. Check the feed and return 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 or pump. 

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 STEERING Power Steering System - TSX

  

 

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

Are the lines deformed? 

YES: Replace the lines.  

NO: Go to step 9.  

9. 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.  

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

z

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

z

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 ). 

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 STEERING Power Steering System - TSX

  

 

Fig. 5: Checking Steering Wheel Rotational Play 

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 

NOTE:

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

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 STEERING Power Steering System - TSX

  

 

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

z

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

z

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

Fig. 6: Checking Power Assist 

STEERING LINKAGE & GEARBOX INSPECTION

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 STEERING Power Steering System - TSX