Strange steering issue

[kenpoed]

my 05 honda accord was recently in goodyear for a squeky belt. The belt was replaced as was the leaky power steering pump.

Since then, as I am going down a straight road, intermittently the steering wheel tugs left out of nowhere.

It is NOT the tires or alignment, both have been double checked. Could they have put a bad steering pump in? Could it be tie rods?

It does not make any sounds and otherwise drives properly. It is not seed dependent when it acts up. HELP!

 

[Ray Garlington]

What is the tire pressure in each of the front tires?

 

[LeakySeals]

The pump itself should not steer the car. Perhaps if there was air in the rack it could happen where there is pressure on one side not the other but I've never experienced that. I have experienced the power steering fluctuating which feels like a pull. Applying more manual force to steer, the pump kicks in, steering gets easy, you over steer because of the force you were applying. I suspect air in the system.

 

[Trav]

Honda PS pumps and some racks of this vintage had problems. Use only new OEM pumps on these cars not reman.
It sounds like a bad internal pump valve or air is the system. Use only OEM Honda Power Steering Fluid!

It almost sounds like a problem in the rack but its doubtful if it was okay before the pump change.

Its possible i suppose the new pump over powered a weak rack seal and caused some internal leakage in the rack unit but that would be rare.
Check the belt tension.
This intermittent pulling symptom is not indicative of tie rod, ball joint or bushing issues.

 

[The_Jake]

Take it to a certified Honda mechanic or Dealer. My guess is you have air in the system and when it cycles through it pulsates. Tell them to inspect the control arm bushings while they are there.

 

[mechtech2]

Air in the system of sticking part.
Bring it back, ASAP.

 

[kenpoed]

brought it in, had them replace with oem fluid and steering pump. no problems now. thanks for the great advice!!!!