Steering Problem

[Supercar]

Hi all. Something seems to be wrong with my NSX's steering mechanism. When u turn the wheels from left to right (180 degrees and of course not moving) I can hear a light 'clunk' on the steering wheels together with a sense of 'looseness' on the steering wheels.

During driving, I can feel like the steering of the car has a slow response.

What could be the problem?

Tried checking FAQ and search. No matches

 

[Jimbo]

The steering mechanism is pretty straightforward on the NSX.

Starting with the steering wheel, you have some universal joints, the gearbox and the tie rod ends that are dynamic elements that could wear.

You didn't mention the year of your car and whether or not it has power steering (EPS). There are some things that could go wrong with this system and there's an indicator light on the dash as well.

The service manual (available on-line) has a good troubleshooting section.

Of course, it could be simply a worn tie rod end or it could be something more involved. If you have a lift you could do an inspection and see if you can notice any slop in the wheels/tie rod ends. Otherwise, a trip to the dealer is indicated.

In any case, I wouldn't drive it too far without ascertaining the problem.

-Jim

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1992 NSX Red/Blk 5 spd #0330
1991 NSX Blk/Blk Auto #3070 (Sold)
1974 Vette 454 4 spd Wht/Blk
1976 Honda Accord 5 spd, 3 door Blue/Blue
1977 Honda Accord - Custom - Under Construction
2003 MINI Cooper S - On Order - All Black
1986 Chevy Suburban
http://homepage.mac.com/jimanders/PhotoAlbum1.html

 

[Supercar]

Thanks JIm.

My NSX is a 1991 version with 6000+ Km on it.

Where is the power steering fluid located? I can't find it anywhere or does it comes with power steering fluid at all?

 

[MiamieNeSeX]

You dont have power steering

 

[Larry Bastanza]

We need to confirm this is NOT at automatic, before ruling out the power steering

. I think most likely it is a manual shift without P/S though.

Jim's point about the tie rod end is exactly correct. Another place to check is the inner tie rods. These are the mating parts to the tie rod end and connect to the steering rack through a small ball joint(part of the inner tie rod). This ball joint is covered by an accordian boot, so you will need to hold the steering wheel in place and try to move the tie rod. If you feel any slop you will need to inspect this inner ball joint (under the boot).

Actually I have never seen the inner tie rods go bad on an NSX, but have seen them bad on other cars.

The inner tie rod is also the part that usually gets bent if you have a "curb" encounter. (Ask me how I know

) Very easy to change and is quite inexpensive too. I recall $76.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[DanO]

Originally posted by Supercar:
Thanks JIm.

My NSX is a 1991 version...

Is it an auto or manual transmission?
Automatic transmission 91’s came with auto steering. Manual transmission 91’s came with manual steering.

 

[Supercar]

Yes it has auto trans. So where is the ps fluid located?

 

[wilsonp]

Originally posted by Supercar:
Yes it has auto trans. So where is the ps fluid located?

NSX's were unique in that they have electric power steering, so no fluid...

There is a diagnostic procedure for the system in the Service Manual in the FAQ, but it seems a little involved...