Steering tightness

2007 HONDA CIVIC
84,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SEAN92
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Tightness when turning. Normally I go to a mechanic near my house to get an oil change and when the oil change is done, the steering always feels better (looser and easier to turn) afterwards. Recently I have been doing the oil changes my self and I no longer get that "easier steering" afterwards. What could they be doing? Are there grease fittings somewhere on the steering assembly?
Feb 17, 2017 at 8:30 AM
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HMAC300
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grease fittings are normally on ball joints on this type of front end which would be on the bottom. Also, check power steering fluid which you should do on oil change anyhow. then due to your mileage you should replace belt and tension-er for power steering if separate anyhow as well.
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Feb 17, 2017 at 9:32 AM
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SEAN92
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Power steering fluid is at the correct level and I recently replaced both lower control arms with new ball joints. Is it necessary to replace the hydraulic tension-er while replacing the drive belt? As you say this could be a cause for the tough steering wheel.
Feb 17, 2017 at 4:04 PM
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HMAC300
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yes, because the tension-er's loose tension and belt slips with age recommended belt/tension-er replacement is 60,000 miles. the newer belts need a gauge to measure wear not cracks etc. It may not be the problem but if you put new control arms that may be the reason for tough steering wheel as well if they have grease joints grease them and look all over front end for grease fittings they should be easy to spot.
Feb 17, 2017 at 4:39 PM