Rep Power: 0

Hi,
sorry if this was asked before but I couldn't find anything with these symptoms.
GF has 2003 civic lx 1.7 engine (non-vtec) w/auto tranny (this is for canadian market, not sure if LX is different in states).
Anyway, she has a problem with steering at low speeds, especially on parking lot when trying to park. Steering wheel gets hard/stiff and she literally has to stop, then it starts working again, but this happens when she's driving at low speeds such as on parking lot. At higher speeds, in city or highway, problem hasn't happened.
Anyway, I'm just checking to see if there are any known issues about this problem on these cars. I'm thinking it's her drive belt and she'll have that replaced first since she never replaced the drive belts and car has 90K km (not miles).

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 811

make sure power steering belt is tight and also may want to change the fluid with honda ps fluid.

 
Rep Power: 0

If its not the belt or fluid (most likely) your power steering box could be wearing out and getting weak. Do you run over sized tires? I had that problem with wider tires and the tires were also a soft compound which will also made it worse.

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi and thanks for responding.
Car is 100% stock with original tire size (forget what it is), but no mods.
Even tho is low milage for 2003, it's still mostly driven on highway. Anyway, I'm still thinking it's the belt since the car is in Alberta (winters are -20 - -40C).
Will replace the belt first, but I initially wanted to check if there are any known issues with PS on these cars.

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 0

I'm having the exact same issue here - same model car (5spd) but just over in Winnipeg :P I have just replaced the alternator belt and the power steering belt today and the power steering belt is perfectly tight. I'll be checking the box next I guess :/

Keep us posted malixm6 I'd like to hear if yours gets sorted.

 
Rep Power: 0

So you're having an exact same issue?
Belts will be replaced in the next couple of weeks, but problem magically disapeared. I'm assuming it's from cold, either the belt or PS fluid will need to be changed.
I will post back the results, but will need to wait for another -20C to -40C to fully test.
Where did you get your belts?

 
Rep Power: 0

i have a 2003 civic lx and at low speeds while taking turns its like the p/s just goes out. once turn is complete p/s comes back im not sure what could cause this. is there a valve on these cars?????

 
Rep Power: 284

^Have you checked the fluid level?

 
Rep Power: 0

we haven't replaced belts yet but problem hasn't reappeared yet. It looks like it only did it in extrem colds around -40C. So even if we replace belts we can't fully test it until it gets really cold. I'm 99% sure it's a belt as we are talking about civic, they don't have major problems.