Three times my '01 AP1 ( just hit 90k miles), in the morning while reversing out of the garage, turning ever slightly, the steering wheel shudders violently for a few seconds. First time, I thought it was weird. second time, I'm concerned. Third time in two weeks, I'm getting worried.

What could be causing this shudder? Outside temperature was above 70 F.

 

As in the steering wheel turns back and forth on its own?

I'd reset your EPS rack and do a position re-learn. Sounds like your torque sensor may be slightly messed up, or you have a messed up rack. Had you recently had any work done or hit any major potholes or anything else of the sort?

 

I had the Spoon Sub-Frame bolt collars installed. I know the tech had to disconnect the steering coupler before he dropped the subframe and reconnected it as part of the job.

 

I wonder if he unplugged the rack at all. I can't remember off hand if disconnecting the connectors resets the rack or if it's only when the module itself is disconnected.

I wonder if the tech that did the work forgot to disconnect the rack, lowered the subframe which bound up the input shaft on the rack possibly bending it ever so slightly, realized his mistake and quickly disconnected it and then never said anything about it. This seems most likely given what work was done.

 

I went back to the same tech (honest, S-owner at a Honda dealership -- good guy) and he diagnosed a faulty EPS (electric power steering) module. He did some trouble shooting and ended up doing a reset. We'll see if that holds up. The '01 EPS module is discontinued. An '04 unit is $890.00, more than I can swallow right now. Removing and replacing the EPS seems easy enough, but the manual says that i would have to use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to re-memorize the Torque Sensor Neutral position again. Is there any way to do this with a cheaper tool than the HDS? I never got a DTC, but this procedure is required when the EPS control unit is replaced.

 

I would just purchase a used one from the classifieds if it does indeed end up being the module. They are not a common failure item. Super easy to change out as well, then you could have Honda reprogram if you so wished.