Honda Loose Steering when cold

[Andrew]

I have a 96 Accord, and when I first get in the car in the morning the steering is loose for the first couple inches of turning the wheel, then it is normal feeling. The wheels turn slightly, but the steering wheel doesn’t feel like it is moving anything until I get further into turning the wheel.

I would think loose parts, but after 5-10 minutes of driving the steering wheel is stiff as it should be.

Any ideas?

Topic

[college man]

Check the inner and outer tie rod ends.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations

[Andrew]

This was my first thought, I checked and there is no noticeable play in the tie rod ends. Not to mention this issue goes away after driving for a bit, then it is normal.

[Mike]

I’m not sure about your problem because I haven’t experienced it exactly, but I have encountered some issues with power steering feel on Hondas before. I replaced pumps a couple of times because of bizarre variations in the amount of power assist, that changes based on being cold or warmed up like yours. I haven’t seen your situation exactly, but it could be a pump/hydraulic issue if you’re sure that the tie rods and steering column are solid.

I would go with a pump if the lines all look to be in good working condition and nothing is leaking. Even for work, it extremely unusual for a professional to get into pressure testing and the like to diagnose this. It’s more a logical diagnosis in the real world in cases like yours. Like I said, I’ve felt some weird stuff with steering assist in Hondas that even domestics don’t do.

[Author]

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