Power Assist Check With Vehicle Parked

Check power steering fluid level and pump belt tension. See BELT TENSION under ADJUSTMENTS and INSPECTIONS. See FLUID REPLACEMENT under LUBRICATION.
Start the engine, let it idle and turn steering wheel from lock-to-unlock several times to warm up 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 and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn. If the scale reads no more than the standard, the power rack and pinion and pump are okay. If the scale reads more than the standard force, go on to next step.
1. Standard Steering Wheel Force
  
  5.5 Lbs. (2.5 kg)
Stop engine. Disconnect the sensor inlet hose from power steering speed sensor and plug the hose and sensor fitting. (The VSS connector is only on vehicles equipped with the navigation system). See Fig 1.
Start and let idle. If the scale reads still more than standard the power steering speed sensor is okay.
The problem may be the pump or power rack and pinion.
- Measure the pump pressure with T/N 07406-0010001 or with T/N 07406-001000A. See PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 or PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A under DIAGNOSIS & TESTING.
- Check the Rack Guide adjustment. See RACK GUIDE under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTIONS.
- If the scale reads the standard 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 (3.2TL) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Fig 1: Viewing Speed Sensor Inlet/Outlet Hoses (Typical)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.