Power Assist Check With Vehicle Parked

Check the power steering fluid level, see FLUID REPLACEMENT , and pump belt tension, see PUMP BELT INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT .
Start the engine, let it idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up the fluid.
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 25 N (2.5 kgf, 5.5 lbf) the gearbox and pump are OK.
- If the scale reads more than 25 N (2.5 kgf, 5.5 lbf), go on step 4.
  
  Fig 1: Pulling Scale When Tires Begin To Turn
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Stop the engine. Disconnect the sensor inlet hose (A) from the power steering speed sensor (B), and plug (C) the hose and sensor fitting. (The VSS connector is only on vehicles equipped with the navigation system).

Fig 2: Disconnecting Sensor Inlet Hose
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Start the engine, and let it idle.
- If the scale reads still more than 25 N (2.5 kgf, 5.5 lbf) the power steering speed sensor is OK.
  The problem maybe the pump or gearbox.
- Measure the PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 or PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A .
- Check the rack guide adjustment. See RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT .
- If the scale reads 25 N (2.5 kgf, 5.5 lbf) or less, check for fluid leaks at the speed sensor inlet hose. If there are no leaks in the hose, the power steering speed sensor is leaking internally. Replace the speed sensor. See POWER STEERING SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT .