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Ok I got my 2k1 Civic last July and on Christmas night I ran up a curb and bent up something pretty bad on the front right suspension. I took the car to the dealership to have it fixed. When I got it back I noticed that the steering was very sensitive. Going at about 80mph on the highway I can feel the car kinda shifting from side to side like it's being blown by a strong wind or something like that. And when I slightly move the steering wheel to change lane, the car immediately goes in that direction. Aside from that it still drives smooth. Thinking it was just me, I took the car back to where I got it fixed and told them about the problem. They had a guy test drive the car and he said it was ok. They also checked the alignment and said it was perfect. I'm still driving the car but it really bums me out because not within a year's period my ride almost got broken into and now I've wrecked it. Well it's not really wrecked but in my eyes it's like trash-out already. That's why I want to fix it up so bad. But I just wanted some opinion on why or what is causing this sensitive steering. I checked everything from tire pressure to seeing if my wheels were wobbling, but everything seems to "roll" normal. I'm planning on taking it to another dealership and hear what they have to say.

 
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sensitive steering is a good thing. if your is handling is better, why allow the dealer screw it up. . adding sturt bars and sport springs, lowering and stiffining suspension makes you have more control and better handling. you are saying you already have that, you are ahead of the game. why change it ?. imo leave it be.

 
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If you're driving an automatic, you have nothing to worry about...

However, you're driving a 5-speed, I find this odd... and personally, I dunno if I'd like easier steering with a 5-speed like it is on the automatic. I do agree that the power steering on our cars (5-speed) could be a TAD bit better.

Power steering on the automatics are VERY easy on the new Civic, but not on the manuals. The only thing easy on the manual is the use of the shifter/clutch. But if you're driving an auto, I don't see any problem unless it was stiffer. If the steering on the manual was as easy as the automatic's, then I'd be scared... in a sense, it's less control of the car as manual transmissions were basically made for feeling like you do have more control over the car... one hand on the shifter, the other on the steering wheel. (You don't NEED to always have your hand on the shifter but it's just fun for many people that way. Either way, if you're gonna race, you'll especially need both hands on the wheel) With automatics, both hands on the steering wheel to reinforce that control if you have to drive over bad pavement or are in a situation that requires you to get the car back in control, and that takes two hands with easy steering. If you were in the same situation with a manual, the stiff steering would prevent the car from going out of control by itself (not totally, but just not as bad. In both situations despite transmission, both hands would be needed.) Just my opinion. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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they may have overtightened the steering column to the steering rack..your steerign wheel should have 1/4" of play both ways before your tires move. If they have no play your power steering pump will burn out mighty fast

 
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My dealership said that the new steering rack on the 7th gen can't be adjusted like the old one

 
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<< Power steering on the automatics are VERY easy on the new Civic >>



That's not true at all Sonic......I drive an '02 Ex auto and the power steering is rather firm. It's not the least bit sensitive.

 
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I've got the exact problem with my '02 LX (5-speed): after a few potholes (normal in this town), the steering is sloppy. you might call it touchy -- on the highway especially it goes from side-to-side, and I have to constantly move the wheel. the first 3 months were great, I was happy as hell, but after a couple more months the steering sucks. someone said it might be bad struts or lower control arm bushings, how do you tell???? thanks

 
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hey guys, I have a 01 civic automatic ex. and no problems like what you are saying. the steering does have some play to it, but over all the handling is great. I guess I compare that to my previous car, a 97 accord ex, which had steering which was just as sensitive. Also does anyone know is the honda steering speed sensitive? at times it feels like it is easier to move at slower speeds than faster speeds?