P/S: no or little power assist over 15 mph

[roofusgooner]

When I'm idling or moving rather slowly, I have the full, single-finger, power assist on my steering. Above 15-20 mph, however, I lose just about all assist it seems. I just had an alignment done which I thought might correct this along with the pull, but it didn't fix this. Any ideas of what it might be or where I should start?

[Hazwan]

I thought thats how the system supposed to work?

Full assist during stop/low speed and no assist at higher speed?

[roofusgooner]

yeah, but not at that low of a speed. I definitely remember my friend's 89 dx had power assist at higher speeds than 20 mph. Was his speed sensor all wacked out and we never realized?

[stat1K]

why would you need ps over 15?

[LX-incredible]

yeah, but not at that low of a speed. I definitely remember my friend's 89 dx had power assist at higher speeds than 20 mph. Was his speed sensor all wacked out and we never realized?
When the speed sensor starts to wear, more fluid gets past, resulting in less assist. Chances are his speed sensor was in better condition than yours. There are other factors as well, such as the condition of the pump and the valve body on the rack. Loosing assist at 15-20 seems normal to me.

[2ndGenGuy]

It shouldn't really be noticeable though. The power steering system is pretty good at the smooth transition from more to less assist. You should barely notice it, if at all.

[che3wy]

yeah anything over 15mph you dont need PS. i had removed the PS fluid before and i know the difference between the speeds.

[MessyHonda]

yeah you would not want full assist at high speeds....my speed sensor poped out when i was coming from picos house and full assist makes the car all over the road and soft...its not cool if you are driving over 70 mph