I just noticed today that the steering effort on my S to be very tight. Also, when I turn the steering wheel, I can hear a rubbing sound, as if there was binding somewhere in the steering mechanism. The car drives and turns normally, and this is the first time that I have noticed somewhat amiss with the steering.

Any ideas or suggestions? I guess I will have to bring it to my local Honda dealer to have it checked out. My 2004 S2000 only has about 33K miles on it.

 

Have you ruled out the tire hitting in the wheel well? Is your eps light on?

 

Steering is handled by an electrically assisted system, borrowed from the NSX. The electric powered rack & pinion steering eliminates the steering pump. As well as saving horsepower over a hydraulic system, its advantages include a high degree of freedom in setting the steering force to match vehicle speed and high performance steering compliance. The electric power steering has a motor inside the rack and a torque sensor on the pinion shaft. At low speeds, more power-assist is provided, and as speeds increase less is provided.

If it feels like the power has failed the 70-amp fuse that protects the circuit should be at the top of your checklist.

 

Thanks! I will check that. I notice the rubbing sound mostly when the car is idling or a very low speeds.

 

Can you let us know what it is when you find out? I haven't heard of any issues yet with the eps in our cars and would be curious to know what the problem is.

 

I'd post it over on s2kca in xvipers forum....

https://www.s2kca.com/S2000/forumdis...e-XViper-s-Den

 

You may need to reset the torque sensor. If you have the tools & area, it doesn't seem too difficult. Otherwise, seek a good mechanic. Good luck!


https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/860...da-pgm-tester/

 

I’m inclined to agree with Robb, I would suspect tire rub against the inner fender. It would be most prone to rub at lower speeds when you’re most likely to turn your wheels at an acute angle. Anything from larger tires, wrong offset on your wheels to a lowered riding height could cause a rub. Once the tire contacts the cheaply made inner fenders they may break away and sag in the area of the fender clips adding to the issue. Like Robb said: “Keep us informed”.


gary

 

I will take the car to the dealer after Easter, since I am participating in a Good Friday concert (Verdi's Requiem) this week and we have extra rehearsals. The rubbing of the tire against the inner fender is an interesting idea, but I don't think this is the case because I haven't crashed into anything or bumped the car.

I don't know that much about the power steering, but I thought that in some cars, the power steering is belt driven. Is it possible that the belt could be slipping and thus make a squealing sound?

 

No PS belts (or pumps) in the S2000. Electric motor, power assist (EPS) via a CPU control. Clearing the torque sensor of the EPS (like re-booting a computer) and resetting the parameters usually fixes most power steering issues. Recommend this be done. Sometimes, the steering problems can become a serious safety issue. If resetting the torque sensor doesn't work, then look at the electric PS motor and sensor unit.

You are running OEM sized tires and wheels?