Honda Element. Manual — part 749

speed)

ADJUSTMENT ).

WHEEL
ALIGNMENT )

Shock or vibration
when the steering
wheel is turned to full
lock

1. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE

ADJUSTMENT ).

2. Check the drive belt for slippage (see DRIVE BELT

INSPECTION ).

3. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with

T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST
WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ), T/N 07406-001000A or
T/N 07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST
WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-
001A101 ).

4. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 2 ).

Steering wheel will
not return smoothly

1. Check cylinder lines for deformation.

2. Check the ball joints for binding.

3. Check wheel alignment (see WHEEL

ALIGNMENT ).

4. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 2 ).

Uneven or rough
steering

1. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE

ADJUSTMENT ).

2. Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT

INSPECTION ).

3. Check for low or erratic engine idle speed (see IDLE

SPEED INSPECTION ).

4. Check for air in the power steering system due to air

entering inlet side of pump.

5. Check for low fluid level in the power steering

reservoir due to possible leaks in system (see POWER
STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE
SWITCH REPLACEMENT ).

6. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 2 ).

Steering wheel kicks
back during wide
turns

1. Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT

INSPECTION ).

2. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with

T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST
WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ), T/N 07406-001000A or
T/N 07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST
WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-
001A101 ).

1. Check when the noise occurs:



If the noise is heard 2-3 minutes after starting

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

Humming noise from
the power steering
system

the engine in cold weather, this is normal.



If the noise is heard when the wheel is turned
with the vehicle stopped, this is normal due to
the fluid pulsation.

2. Check for the high-pressure hose touching the

subframe or body.

3. Check for automatic transmission converter noise.

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 ).

Hissing from the
power steering
system/foaming fluid



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



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 top of the valve body unit.
Overhaul the valve body unit (see STEERING

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING

Fluid leaks from the
steering gearbox

GEARBOX OVERHAUL ).



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.



Fluid leaks from pinion shaft near the lower steering
joint bolt. Overhaul the valve body unit.



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.



Fluid leaks from 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 PUMP
OVERHAUL ), and if necessary replace the power
steering pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT ).

Fluid leaks from the
power steering
reservoir



Fluid leaks from around the reservoir cap because the
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 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 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.

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

HARD STEERING

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

Is the initial turning load more than 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6 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 ), T/N 07406-001000A or T/N
07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-
001A101 ) to the pump.

3. Measure steady-state fluid pressure from the pump at idle.

Is the pressure 1,470 kPa (15.0 kgf/cm

2

, 213 psi) or less?

YES -Go to step 4.

NO -Go to step 8.

4. Measure the pump relief pressure at idle.

Is the pressure 7,460-8,140 kPa (76-83 kgf/cm

2

, 1,080-1,180 psi) or less?

YES -Go to step 5.

NO -Go to step 9.

5. 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 6.

NO -Go to step 11.

6. 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 7,460-8,140 kPa (76-83 kgf/cm

2

, 1,080-1,180 psi) or more?

YES -Go to step 7.

NO -Faulty gearbox.

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element