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I have this 2001 lx 4dr sedan from Ohio. Ever since I got it other than the test drive, after doing a 90 degree turn in either direction, the steering does not center if not adjusted, it will of course continue to go left or right depending on the turn direction. During the years under warranty, have 3 honda dealers look at it, one said it is alignment problem, others say it is normal. I suggest a steering related problems and none concur. I have done more than two dozen alignments for the first three years combined, some are not recorded. The problem seems to come back after hitting a slightly bigger road bump (not curb or pothole). Complain to honda america to no avail, can't return because there is "no problem". Eventually, one front strut was swapped out but problem still exist. This year, I have swapped to eibach pro and kyb agx and the problem still present itself. One shop find out I have a loose left tie rod end and the problem seem fixed for a while. But now, it does not center properly after right turns, and also the turn line is wide after alignment is done and hit a couple of road bumps.

Much appreciated for any idea or suggestion for a probable cause and reference to speciality auto shop for checkup in the GTA area in canada.

Thanks in advanced.

PS (Selling the car is not a option at the current financial situation)

 
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u said that changing the front left tie rod fixed the problem for 1 side, then it could be your rack and pinion. Have it checked out, let them do some return tests on the RP. U might have to get a new one.

 
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Thx. Correction to the tie rod, it is the driver side tie rod end which is being replaced if that makes a difference.

 
Rep Power: 302

Some 01's had a problem with the rack being too tight. That will cause it not to properly return. There was mention of it, but I don't know if there was ever a TSB on it.

 
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I have the car checked by two different car mechanic very recently. I of them say its severity of not returning is minor, and still seemingly a rack and pinion problem and need to be replace if situation deteriorate really bad.

The other mechanic say that he found play on both upper strut mount on the front and need to be replaced asap. Does this seem likely to be the cause of my problem?

For futher clarification, if I turn my steering wheel left to right and back very short and quick in successions, the steering almost feeling draggy (ie. the wheel turn a bit later or a delay reaction after my steering turn) , not crisp response. Any help would be appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 302

For what it's worth, ALL my steering problems were fixed by adding an X-brace and strut tower bar. Car handles great, goes in a straight line, and steers like a beamer. I love it. I HATED it before I added the braces. I honestly think the front end on the 7th gen is too sloppy in stock form. Also, read again that some had problems with the steering rack. But I'm just talking....

 
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The self centering of the steering wheel is accomplished mainly through caster. Since our cars don't have a caster adjustment, something could be bent. The suggestion of the upper strut mount may also be a good one since our cars have a MacPherson strut design and a shift of the mount would affect caster.

Try turning the wheel to the point where it doesn't normally return. Accelerate swiftly but not hard enough to break the inside wheel loose. The steering wheel should quickly spin back toward center even if the rack is kinda sluggish (suggest using a parking lot) . If it doesn't at all, this could mean a severe caster issue. If it returns, but really slowly, it might be caster and or steering rack. Also make sure the power steering belt is not slipping.

Watch out for alignment shops that go by the philosophy "set the toe and let it go". The car will basically run straight but will feel crappy.

 
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Thanks for all the quick responses. I have swap out both front upper strut mount and an alignment just yesterday, and after bigger road bumps, the same old problem returns. The alignment print out before figures show the caster is within spec if that means anything. The front toe however is way out and is within spec after alignment. I am quite show that now it is out of alignment again. Any other thoughts or should I go for a steering rack and pinion replacement with steering pump, or does it remotely ressemvle any subframe problems? Thanks in advance

 
Rep Power: 302

I tell you, the civics flex too much. Adding the 2 braces to stiffen the strut towers and subframe was the best thing I ever did to this damn car. I had constant steering and alignment issues. Made me feel really good about a "new" car. My old ones never had these problems. The whole front moves on the 7th gen. This is less noticable on stock or soft tires, but put on some good rubber and watch out! Maybe not all have problems, but a lot did.

But I don't know squat.

 
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Thanks Tinman. I guess I would try your option first. Could you suggest any particular brand or if you don't mind sharing, what is the brand and model of upper strut bar and X brace you are using.

 
Rep Power: 302

NEUSPEED. No regrets, perfect fit.

 
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Hi Tinman,

Do I need the lower rear brace? For neuspeed front upper tie bar, is steel or aluminium preferred for reliability? Thx.

 
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No, you don't need the rear brace. But I DID put an RSX-S rear sway in mine. It just handles sooo nice and predictable.

The Neuspeed brace is steel. It's a very good brace, don't go cheap.
Think about the X-brace for the bottom as well. It seems to me that (like me) you are not satisfied with the vauge steering of your car. THe braces make a big difference. I can't imagine driving my car stock again, and I changed NOTHING else. The car is bone stock except tires and braces.
Have not needed any alignment in 3 years.

 
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I will definitely go neuspeed steel with both front upper strut tie bar and front lower X- brace then. Would you also mind sharing your RSX-S rear sway parts and install experience as my car does not come with any rear sway, and base on other posting, I would need accessories to install the rear sway.

 
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Hi Tinman, I ask the dealer for stock and he said the X-Brace is not for 2001 4-dr sedan, just for hatch back. Is your X-brace installed on a 2001 civic 4-dr sedan?

 
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02 EX coupe. However, the X-brace should fit fine on the sedan. The front carrier is the same.

What Dealer??

 
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Installed X-brace and upper strut tie bar but the behaviour still persist. The improve part is that the steering wheel seem to center properly, but turning still exihbit the behaviour plus the car seem to slide a bit (that I am not sure whether its an indication that my strut is going too? double whammy. Not good to start the new year.)

 
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Thanks to all that post and lend their help. Happy New Year.

 
Rep Power: 302

Slide????

I also told you that some steering racks were too tight. But Honda will tell you it's "normal". But nevermind me....

Don't know what else to tell ya. Did you look at the condition of the front lower control arm bushings, btw? I just did the brakes and noticed mine are torn. Time to get new ones pressed in. Yet another common design flaw in the 7th gen. I kiss my 20 year old truck every time I drive it now. NONE of this ongoing BS, not even a squeak or rattle.

F**K! Honda has really gone down in quality. This is my last "New" Honda. My next one will be a 90's. Maybe a Prelude...