Honda Element. Manual - part 749

speed)

ADJUSTMENT ).

WHEEL 
ALIGNMENT )

Shock or vibration 
when the steering 
wheel is turned to full 
lock

1. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE 

ADJUSTMENT ).  

2. Check the drive belt for slippage (see DRIVE BELT 

INSPECTION ).  

3. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with 

T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST 
WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ), T/N 07406-001000A or 
T/N 07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST 
WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-
001A101 ).  

4. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 2 ).  

 

Steering wheel will 
not return smoothly

1. Check cylinder lines for deformation.  

2. Check the ball joints for binding.  

3. Check wheel alignment (see WHEEL 

ALIGNMENT ).  

4. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 2 ).  

 

Uneven or rough 
steering

1. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE 

ADJUSTMENT ).  

2. Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT 

INSPECTION ).  

3. Check for low or erratic engine idle speed (see IDLE 

SPEED INSPECTION ).  

4. Check for air in the power steering system due to air 

entering inlet side of pump.  

5. Check for low fluid level in the power steering 

reservoir due to possible leaks in system (see POWER 
STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE 
SWITCH REPLACEMENT ).  

6. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 2 ).  

 

Steering wheel kicks 
back during wide 
turns

1. Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT 

INSPECTION ).  

2. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with 

T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST 
WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ), T/N 07406-001000A or 
T/N 07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST 
WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-
001A101 ).  

 

1. Check when the noise occurs: 



If the noise is heard 2-3 minutes after starting 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

  

Humming noise from 
the power steering 
system

the engine in cold weather, this is normal.  



If the noise is heard when the wheel is turned 
with the vehicle stopped, this is normal due to 
the fluid pulsation.  

2. Check for the high-pressure hose touching the 

subframe or body.  

3. Check for automatic transmission converter noise.  

4. Check for air bubbles in the power steering fluid, leak 

on inlet side of pump.  

5. Check for particle contamination of fluid and restricted 

filter in the reservoir.  

Pump pressure

Power steering rack 
rattle or chattering

1. Check for loose steering components (tie-rod and ball 

joints). Tighten or replace as necessary.  

2. Check the steering column shaft for wobbling. If the 

steering column wobbles, replace the steering column 
assembly (see STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL 
AND INSTALLATION ).  

3. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE 

ADJUSTMENT ).  

4. Check the power steering pump pulley: 



If the pulley is loose, tighten it (see step 46 ).  



If the pump shaft is loose, replace the pump (see 
PUMP REPLACEMENT ).  

 

Hissing from the 
power steering 
system/foaming fluid



Check the fluid level. If low, fill the reservoir to the 
proper level and check for leaks (see FLUID 
LEAKAGE INSPECTION ).  



Check the reservoir for leaks.  



Check for crushed inlet hose or loose hose clamp 
allowing air into the suction side of the system (see 
FLUID LEAKAGE INSPECTION ).  



Check the power steering pump shaft oil seal for leaks. 

Air in the P/S fluid

Noise from the power 
steering pump



Compare the pump noise at normal operating 
temperature to another like vehicle (pump noise for 2-
3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather is 
normal).  



Remove and inspect the pump for wear and damage 
(see PUMP OVERHAUL ).  



P/S pump 
pressure  



Air in the P/S 
fluid  

Squeaking from the 
power steering pump

Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).

 



Fluid leaks from the top of the valve body unit. 
Overhaul the valve body unit (see STEERING 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

  

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING

Fluid leaks from the 
steering gearbox

GEARBOX OVERHAUL ).  



Fluid leaks from the driver's side boot. Replace the 
valve oil seal on the pinion shaft. Replace the cylinder 
end seal on the gearbox side.  



Fluid leaks from the passenger's side boot. Replace the 
cylinder end seal on the cylinder side.  



Fluid leaks from pinion shaft near the lower steering 
joint bolt. Overhaul the valve body unit.  



Fluid leaks from the steering damping valve covers on 
the valve body unit. Replace the valve housing.  

 

Fluid leaks from the 
power steering line



Fluid leaks from the cylinder line connections (flare 
nuts). Tighten the connection and retest.  



Fluid leaks from damaged cylinder lines. Replace the 
cylinder line (see POWER STEERING HOSE, 
LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH 
REPLACEMENT ).  



Fluid leaks from the pump outlet hose or return line 
fitting on the valve body unit (flare nuts). Tighten the 
fitting and retest. If it still leaks, replace the hose, the 
line, or valve body unit as necessary.  

 

Fluid leaks from the 
power steering pump



Fluid leaks from the front oil seal. Replace the front oil 
seal.  



Fluid leaks from the power steering pump housing. 
Replace the leaking O-rings or seals (see PUMP 
OVERHAUL ), and if necessary replace the power 
steering pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT ).  

 

Fluid leaks from the 
power steering 
reservoir



Fluid leaks from around the reservoir cap because the 
fluid level is too high. Drain the reservoir to the proper 
level. If the fluid is aerated, check for an air leak on 
the inlet side of pump.  



Fluid leaks from reservoir. Check reservoir for cracks 
and replace as necessary.  

 

Fluid leaks from the 
power steering pump 
outlet hose (high-
pressure)



Check the fitting for loose bolts. If the bolts are tight, 
replace the fitting O-ring.  



Fluid leaks at the swagged joint: Replace the outlet 
hose.  

 

Fluid leaks from the 
power steering pump 
inlet hose (low-
pressure)

Check the hose for damage, deterioration, or improper 
assembly. Replace or repair as necessary.

 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

  

HARD STEERING 

1. Check the power assist (see POWER ASSIST CHECK ). 

Is the initial turning load more than 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6 lbf)?  

YES -Go to step 2. 

NO -Power assist is OK. 

2. Connect the P/S joint adapter (pump), P/S joint adapter (hose), and P/S pressure gauge T/N 07406-

0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001 ), T/N 07406-001000A or T/N 
07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-
001A101 ) to the pump.  

3. Measure steady-state fluid pressure from the pump at idle. 

Is the pressure 1,470 kPa (15.0 kgf/cm

2

 , 213 psi) or less? 

 

YES -Go to step 4. 

NO -Go to step 8. 

4. Measure the pump relief pressure at idle. 

Is the pressure 7,460-8,140 kPa (76-83 kgf/cm

2

 , 1,080-1,180 psi) or less? 

 

YES -Go to step 5. 

NO -Go to step 9. 

5. With a spring scale, measure the power assist in both directions, to the left and to the right. 

Are the two measurements within 2.9 N (0.3 kgf, 0.66 lbf) of each other?  

YES -Go to step 6. 

NO -Go to step 11. 

6. Measure the fluid pressure with both pressure gauge valves open (if so equipped), while turning the 

steering wheel fully to the left and fully to the right. 

Is the pressure 7,460-8,140 kPa (76-83 kgf/cm

2

 , 1,080-1,180 psi) or more? 

 

YES -Go to step 7. 

NO -Faulty gearbox. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element