06 Civic Hybrid - Power steering making noise when turning - MPG unaffected

[alohaspirit]

Hey everyone

Got an 06 Civic Hybrid with 90k miles and my power steering is starting to make noise. It makes a groaning noise when the wheel is turned and the car is moving. (no noise when going straight, or when the wheel is turned when stationary) Gas mileage doesn't seem affected by it and there's no change in "felt" steering. No grinding or scraping and no warning lights on dash.

The hybrids have an electric/mechanical power steering system so there is no fluid to check.
So I'm guessing its steering rack or struts.

Has anyone else experienced and fixed this?

I really like this car and hope to drive it for many more years.

[roosterk0031]

Pull the fuse and see how it works. my cobalts have electric power steering, don't need it 99% of the time, but since it isn't doing anything 99% of the time why pull the fuse.

[MetroMPG]

Good idea - pulling the fuse will tell you if the motor itself is the issue.

Though the fact it makes the noise while steering when the car is stationary probably rules that out.

Has anyone else experienced and fixed this?

Nope. My parents now have >200k km / 120k miles on their 09 Civic hybrid with no front end issues or steering noises.

[alohaspirit]

thanks for the input

i took a look and i dont think i can pull the EPS fuse as its also the main fuse

1: Main fuse battery/EPS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPFLDY4wppc

[Ecky]

Even though there's probably a steering lock, you'll still have a limited ability to turn the wheel while the car is off. That will probably achieve the same thing.

[Stubby79]

Check the power assist steering as recommended by pulling the fuse.
Then check wearable steering components and rubber bushings.
If you still can't find it, start looking at suspension components. (Any clunking/rubbing/bumping noises when going over bumps?)

[alohaspirit]

Appreciate all the input

but I got rear-ended at a stop light 2 weeks ago so its down and out

I think insurance is gonna total it out


but im really suprised with this rental car
(2017 Sentra) as it seems to be getting 35mpg

[samwichse]

Well, that's one way to solve your steering issue.

I was going to suggest just putting the key in and turning to on without starting and run the wheel back and forth and listen for noises. EPS will be disabled until after the engine has been cranked OR the car exceeds 10 mph with the key on.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

I think insurance is gonna total it out

Hope nobody was hurt.

How many replacement batteries has it had? Maybe it's for the best! (It might be for my parents' Civic.)

[alohaspirit]

Sorry late update

Everyone was ok.

I got an 07 Prius w 90k miles to replace it, so im happy with my 44mpg




and to answer the question about the batteries, i have no idea
i never replaced them and it seemed like it was charging great