Problems with power steering

I have a 2002 Civic LX with power steering. When the car is idling, I can
turn it left or right with ease. When I rev up the engine, it becomes very
hard to turn in either direction. It will continue to resist my turning even
thought I let off the gas back to idle. I have to release the wheel turning
motion and then the turning will become easier again, until I rev the engine
where again it starts to resist me. Power fluid is full.
Any suggestions what the problem might be

 

ever heard of speed sensitive steering? you don't need power steering
on the freeway, so assist is reduced to give you more road feedback. at
low speed manoevering however, you /do/ need power assist, so that's how
the system is set up - the "fix" is to keep your foot off the gas. if
you want sloppy steering at all speeds, sell the honda & buy a buick.

 

Just a guess. Maybe the car has speed sensative steering?

 

I shorted the question to the problem as to when it becomes apparent. To
clarify the problem more. I can drive straight down the road at any speed
and the steering is ok. When a u turn is made in either direction the
steering becomes very hard to the point that it feels that the steering
wheel is going to be ripped out of your hands. This can become quite scarry
on a highway going around a curve. I never noticed that it would do this
when vehicle was not moving until I did further checking.

 

Many cars have speed sensitive steering, but they don't do this. If
it's fighting you at highway speeds, you have a serious problem with
the valving at the rack and pinion.

 

i wonder. self-centering is normal which is essentially what he's
describing. from the way he writes, he sounds like an suv owner that's
just got his first honda. i'd like to know if this is a new problem to
a car he's had for a while or whether it's a new vehicle for him and
he's unfamiliar with it.

 

The Honda system usually employ a mechanical speed sensor.
You're describing an electronic version which I'd never heard of
one, yet. When the speed increases fluid is diverted and
steering assist is reduced. This means that you'll get steering
assist even at a high rpm or the gas depressed.

 

but it's just pump speed, right? electronic could differentiate as to
whether the vehicle is moving, but a pump speed system won't and will
reduce assist when he's gunning the motor.

 

I you mean a pump speed system that cuts power to the electric
pump when driver presses on the gas, I'd never heard of this one, not
to mention a sloppy steering at 70-mph with the gas pedal released.
The 2002 Civic Si steering rack has electric power steering assist, so
the stock engine has no power steering pump. You might have to ask
the OP what his LX has.

Direct electric steering uses an electric motor attached to the steering
rack. A microprocessor controls steering that include inputs from
vehicle speed and steering, wheel torque, angular position and turning
rate. The throttle position doesn't play a role.

 

No this is not my first Honda. This problem is something that started a
short time ago. I took it to a dealers who said it was the steering pump.
The car had 61000 KM on it. (just over the warrenty period). We live a
couple hours away from where the dealer is located and even though we
informed him that this has been happening before the car had 60000 KM on
it, the dealer refuses to repair it under warrenty so at this point I'm
sceptical of his assesment.

 

ok, that sounds like a genuine issue and should be one for warranty.
call another dealer - and if they won't do it, call the main honda
customer care #.