Steering 'pulse' when turning?

[havoc]

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying an 08 CRV here in the UK. All looks clean, except that when turning under quite a bit of lock (e.g. roundabouts, parking) the steering wheel 'rocks' back-and-forth in your hands.

I'm told this is a rear-diff issue, but the selling dealer is saying it's a PAS self-protection thing, i.e. "they all do that sir".

I've had a fair few Hondas and driven loads of PAS cars, and never encountered it before, so don't believe him. It doesn't feel like a change in assistance, more something 'pushing' back somewhere in the system. Not owned a 4x4 before, so not sure how all the diffs will affect things.

Anyone know for sure what it is?

Thanks,

Martin.



BTW - no brake judder, no wheel wobble at speed, no other vibrations, so unlikely to be tyres, wheel balancing or brake disk issues.

[kypriaki]

It doesnt sound good, it could be a leak in the steering hydraulic fluid, a worn CV joint, steering rack, high mileage or accident damage.
I would steer clear (pardon the pun) as this sounds dodgy.

[havoc]

Found this when googling - sounds about right. Might just need a fluid change then...

http://www.cambridgecentrehonda.com/steering.htm

[fixer]

I have never seen anyone report the wheel rocking back and forth as a symptom of rear diff fluid end of life. Have the dealer FLUSH the power steering fluid and if the pulsing stops you can then decide whether or not to purchase. The dealer has stated an outright lie so ask to speak to another sales person for that reason. Perhaps they will have a little more respect. Some of the old 4x4 full time like Dodge Ramcharger could exhibit the symptom you described, but not an AWD.

[kypriaki]

Honda states that the hydraulic brake fluid should be changed every 3 years, so it may be said the same for the hydraulic steering fluid.
The car you have mentioned is 4-5 years old and if its been properly serviced by Honda for 3 of those years then it should be problem free.

[havoc]

Thanks guys for the advice - this will be my 6th Honda, so know that it SHOULD be very reliable.

Fixer - here's the same post I put up on the UK forum (or the nearest we've got to a dedicated CRV forum here in the UK). Someone else mentioned the diff issue on there, plus the service bulletin posted after re: the diff. Guess that's because all the CRVs over here are driven by school-mums and the closest they get to off-road is a particularly nasty kerb! ;o)

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/honda-c...nder-lock.html


Re: PAS - it could be, as I've discovered the Peugeot 407 (French sedan - think Gallic Ford Fusion) has the same problem with the relief valve - never acknowledged as a design flaw, but PAS system was redesigned mid-life! Not sure how a flush would solve it though, at best would alleviate the symptoms.

[fixer]

Thanks guys for the advice - this will be my 6th Honda, so know that it SHOULD be very reliable.

Fixer - here's the same post I put up on the UK forum (or the nearest we've got to a dedicated CRV forum here in the UK). Someone else mentioned the diff issue on there, plus the service bulletin posted after re: the diff. Guess that's because all the CRVs over here are driven by school-mums and the closest they get to off-road is a particularly nasty kerb! ;o)

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/honda-c...nder-lock.html


Re: PAS - it could be, as I've discovered the Peugeot 407 (French sedan - think Gallic Ford Fusion) has the same problem with the relief valve - never acknowledged as a design flaw, but PAS system was redesigned mid-life! Not sure how a flush would solve it though, at best would alleviate the symptoms.

I forget how many cars I have owned, but 80% of them had power steering and none of them rocked the wheel back and forth when it reached end of travel. Some groaned, as the belt slipped, some may have pulsed slightly, and then PAS was introduced to correct that. A flush may not help PAS but will go a long way towards cleaning the system out and replacing any additives that are required to keep it clean and running longer. In your Cambridge link it states that one symptom of fluid end of life is "Build-up can also cause a pulsating in the steering system, especially when the wheel is fully turned in one direction or another. Contaminants can accelerate the "wearing effect" of the power steering components and reduce the systems life cycle."
In this case the symptom is the problem unless I'm misreading your post.