Honda Civic. Manual — part 951

Humming noise
from the power
steering system

due to the fluid pulsation.

2. Check for the high-pressure hose

touching the subframe or body.

3. Check for automatic transmission

converter noise (A/T).

4. Check for air bubbles in the power

steering fluid, leak on inlet side of
pump.

5. Check for particle contamination of

fluid and restricted filter in the
reservoir.

Pump pressure

Power steering
rack rattle or
chattering

1. Check for loose steering

components (tie-rod and ball
joints). Tighten or replace as
necessary.

2. Check the steering column shaft for

wobbling. If the steering column
wobbles, replace the steering
column assembly (see STEERING
COLUMN REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION ).

3. Check the rack guide adjustment

(see RACK GUIDE
ADJUSTMENT ).

4. Check the power steering pump

pulley:

If the pulley is loose, tighten it
(see step 46 ).

If the pump shaft is loose,
replace the pump (see PUMP
REPLACEMENT ).

Check the fluid level. If low, fill the
reservoir to the proper level and

2008 Honda Civic EX

2006-08 STEERING Hydraulic Power Steering Components - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

Hissing from the
power steering
system/foaming
fluid

check for leaks (see FLUID
LEAKAGE INSPECTION ).

Check the reservoir for leaks.

Check for crushed inlet hose or
loose hose clamp allowing air into
the suction side of the system (see
FLUID LEAKAGE
INSPECTION ).

Check the power steering pump
shaft oil seal for leaks.

Air in the P/S fluid

Noise from the
power steering
pump

Compare the pump noise at normal
operating temperature to another
like vehicle (pump noise for 2-3
minutes after starting the engine in
cold weather is normal).

Remove and inspect the pump for
wear and damage (see PUMP
REPLACEMENT ).

P/S pump
pressure

Air in the P/S
fluid

Squeaking from
the power steering
pump

Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT
INSPECTION ).

Fluid leaks from
the steering
gearbox

Fluid leaks from the top of the
valve body unit. Overhaul the valve
body unit (see step 19 on page 17-
51).

Fluid leaks from the driver's side
boot. Replace the valve oil seal on
the pinion shaft. Replace the
cylinder end seal on the gearbox
side.

Fluid leaks from the passenger's
side boot. Replace the cylinder end
seal on the cylinder side.

2008 Honda Civic EX

2006-08 STEERING Hydraulic Power Steering Components - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

Fluid leaks from pinion shaft near
the lower steering joint bolt.
Overhaul the valve body unit (see
step 19 on page 17-51).

Fluid leaks from the steering
damping valve covers on the valve
body unit. Replace the valve
housing.

Fluid leaks from
the power steering
line

Fluid leaks from the cylinder line
connections (flare nuts). Tighten
the connection and retest (see
POWER STEERING HOSE,
LINE, AND PRESSURE
SWITCH REPLACEMENT ).

Fluid leaks from a damaged
cylinder lines. Replace the cylinder
line (see POWER STEERING
HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE
SWITCH REPLACEMENT ).

Fluid leaks from the pump outlet
hose or return line fitting on the
valve body unit (flare nuts). Tighten
the fitting and retest. If it still leaks,
replace the hose, the line, or valve
body unit as necessary.

Fluid leaks from
the power steering
pump

Fluid leaks from the front oil seal.
Replace the front oil seal.

Fluid leaks from the power steering
pump housing. Replace the leaking
O-rings or seals (see FLUID
LEAKAGE INSPECTION ), and
if necessary replace the power
steering pump (see PUMP
REPLACEMENT ).

2008 Honda Civic EX

2006-08 STEERING Hydraulic Power Steering Components - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING

HARD STEERING

1. Check the power assist (see STEERING WHEEL ROTATIONAL PLAY

CHECK ).

Is the initial turning load more than 34 N (3.5 kgf, 7.7 lbf)?

YES -Go to step 2.

NO -Power assist is OK.

2. Connect the P/S joint adapter (pump), P/S joint adapter (hose), and P/S

pressure gauge 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 ) to the pump.

Fluid leaks from
the power steering
reservoir

Fluid leaks from around the
reservoir cap because fluid level is
too high. Drain the reservoir to the
proper level. If the fluid is aerated
check for an air leak on the inlet
side of pump.

Fluid leaks from reservoir. Check
for reservoir for cracks and replace
as necessary.

Fluid leaks from
the power steering
pump outlet hose
(high-pressure)

Check the fitting for loose bolts. If
the bolts are tight, replace the
fitting O-ring.

Fluid leaks at the swagged joint.
Replace the pump outlet hose.

Fluid leaks from
the power steering
pump inlet hose
(low-pressure)

Check the hose for damage,
deterioration, or improper assembly.
Replace or repair as necessary.

2008 Honda Civic EX

2006-08 STEERING Hydraulic Power Steering Components - Civic (All Except Hybrid)