Power Assist Check

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2009 Honda S2000, 2008 Honda S2000, 2007 Honda S2000, 2006 Honda S2000, and 2005 Honda S2000. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: This test should be done with original equipment tires and wheels at the correct tire pressure.

Start the engine and let it idle.
Attach a commercially available spring scale to the steering wheel. With the engine idling and the vehicle on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn.

Fig 1: Attaching Spring Scale To Steering Wheel
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the scale reads no more than 34 N (3.5 kgf, 7.7 lbf), the power assist is OK. If it reads more, check these items:
- Steering linkage (see STEERING LINKAGE AND GEARBOX INSPECTION ).
- Rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ).
- EPS system (see EPS INDICATOR ).