1998 HONDA CIVIC low idle

Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting
Check the following before you begin:. Has the suspension been modified in a way that would affect steering?. Are tire sizes, tire variety and air pressure correct?. lsthe steering wheel original equipment or equivalent?. lsthe powersteering pump belt properlyadiusted?
. ls steeringfluid reservoirfilledto proper level?. ls the engine idle speed correct and steady?
Hard Steering (Check the powor assist. se€ page 17-3o. lfthe torce is over 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6lbo, Procede with this troubleshootinq.)
Abnormallluid pressure
{fluid pressureis too high)
Faulty valve body unit
Relief pres-sure too low
Abnormal
Faulty llow control valve(Replace the pump es anassembly)
Ch€ck the feed snd return circuit lin€s ano nosebetw6€n the gearbox and pump for clogging andd€lormation.
Normal line and hose
Check the pump fluid pressure(soe page 17-34).l/easure steady-state tluid pres-s!re while idling with the bothvalves tully open.It should be 1.500 kPa (15 kgf/cmr,213 psi) or below.
Normal
Check th€ flow control vslve (see page 17-42).. Chock the valvo lor smooth movement in the hous-ing.. Check the reliefvalve for leaks.
Check the pump fluid pressure
{see page 17-34).Measure pump relief pressurewhile idling with the pressure con-trol valve Iully closed.It should be 6,400 - 7,400 kPa (65 -
75 kgflcm,,920 - 1,070 psi)
Normal relisf pressure
17-22
Go to page 17-23Faulty pump assembly

/
Uneven or rough steering
Steering wheel kicks back
during wide t!rns.
ll,
)
Adjust the rac* guide (see page 17-3).
lf the problem is not corrected bY
adjusting the rack guide, replace
the gearbox.
Adiust the belt tension. Feplace the
belt, il necessary (see Page 17 32).
lfthe engine stalls when the wheel
is turned while car is stopped or
moving at low speed, adjust the
idle spe€d (see section 11)
ldle speed low or erratic.
Check power sleering fluid level lf
the level is excessively low, check
lor leaks in the system. Add lluid
to the specified level.
Air in reservoir, or check Powersteering Iluid level.
lf ltuid level is OK, check O-rings
and seals on both ends of thepump inlet hose, and the P/Spump housing mating surfaces
and the pumP shaft oil seal for
suction leaks. RePlace Parts as
nocessary.
Adjust the belt tension (see Page17 32)or replace belt.Pump belt sliPPing on PLrlleY(pump stops momentarilY)
Check if pump press{rre is normal
and the gauge needle travel is 500
kPa (5 kgl/cm?, 7l Psi) or less.
Chock the flow control valve if the
needle travel exceeds 500 kPa (5
kgflcm', 71 Psi). l{ the flow control
valve is normal, replace the PumPas an assemoly.
Install the power steering pressure
gauge, Close the Pressure contrcl
valve fully and m6ssure the PumPpressure {s€e page 17-34}.
17 -25,

Inspection and Adjustment
Steering Operation
Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position,
and measure the distance the steering wheel can beturned without moving the front wheels.
ROTATIONAL PLAY: 0 - 10 mm l0 - 0.39 inl
lf the play exceeds the service limit. perform rack guide
adjustment (see page 17-33).
lf the play is still excessive after rack guide adjustment.inspect the steering linkage and gearbox as describedon the nel(t pag€.
ROTATIONAL PLAY
17-30
Power Assist Gheck with
Vehicle Parked
1. Check the power steering fluid level (see page 17-33) and pump belt tension (see page 17-32).
2. Start the engine, allow it to idle. and turn the steer-ing wheel from lock-tolock several times to warm
up the fluid.
3. Attach a spring scale to the steering wheel. With theengine idling and the vehicle on a clean, dry floor,pull the scale as shown and read it as soon as thetires begin to turn.
The scale should read no more than 29 N (3.0 kgf.
6.6 lbf). lf it reads more, check the gearbox andpump,
D0

IRack Guide Adjustment
NOTE: Perform rack guide adjustment with the wheels
in the straight ahead Position.
1. Loosen the rack guide screw locknut with the
cialtool.
'96 - '97 models:
Loosen the rack guide screw
'98 - '00 models:
Remove the rack guide screw and remove the old
sealant off of the threaded section.
Apply new sealant all around the threads. Loosely
installthe rack guide screw
Tighten the rack guide screw to 25 N'm (2.5 kgf'm.
18 lbf.ft), then loosen it.
Retighten the rack guide screw to 3 9 N'm (0.4 kgim,
2.9 lbf.ft), then back it off to specified angle.
Specified Return Angle: 20" max.
Tighten the locknut while holding the rack guide
screw.
Check for tight or loose steering through the com-
plete turning travel.
Perform following insPections:
. Steering operation (see page 17-30).
. Power assist with vehicle parked.
4.
LOCKNUT WRENCH, 40 mm
lr
17-33
Fluid Replacement
Check the reservoir at regular intervals, and add fluid as
necessary.
CAUTION: Always us€ Genuine Honda Power Stearing
Fluid-V or S. Using any other type of power sto€ring
tluid or automatic transmission lluid can cause
increased wear and poor steering in cold weathor.
SYSTEM CAPACITY:
0.85 liter 10.90 US' qt,0.75 lmp'qt)
at disassembly
RESERVOIR CAPACITY:
0.4 liter (0.42 US. qt, 0.35 lmP.qt)
LEVEL LINE
LOWER LEVEL LINE
1. Raise the reservoir, then disconnect the return nose.
2. Connect a hose of suitable diameter to the discon-
nected return hose, and put the hose end in a suit-
able container.
CAUTION: Take care not to spill tho fluid on the
body and parts. Wipe off any spill€d fluid at oncs'
3. Start the engine, let it run at idle, and turn the steer-
ing wheel from lock-to-lock several times When
fluid stops running out of the hose, shut off the
engine, Discard the fluid.
4. Reinstall the return hose on the reservoir'
5. Fill the reservoir to the upper level line.
6. Start the engine and run it at fast idle, then turn the
steering trom lock-to-lock several times to bleed air
trom the system.
7. Recheck the fluid level and add some it necessary.
CAUTION: Do not fill the reservoir beYond the
upper l€vel line.
HOSE

lnspection and Adjustment
Pump Pressure Check
Check the fluid pressure as follows to determine
whether the trouble is in the pump or gearbox.
NOTE: First check the power steering fluid level andpump belt tension.
CAUTION: Disconnect the high pr$sure hos€ with care
so as not lo spill the power sieering tluid on tha frame
and other parts.
1. Disconnect the outlet line from the Dumo outlet fit-
ting, then installthe P/S joint adaptor (pump) on the
Dumo outlet.
2. Connect the P/S joint adaptor (hose) to the power
steering pressure gauge, then connect the outlet
hose to the adaptor.
3. Install the power steering pressure gauge to the P/Sjoint adaptor (pump) as shown.
ourlEr HosE FnrNo ,t"ll lrilu"ott
P/S JOINT ADAPTOB IHOSEI07RAK - S0i10l2rol07RAK- 50{{)120
P/S PRESSURE GAUGE07406 - 001000Aor07406 - 0010001
4. Open the shut-off valve fully.
5. Open the pressure control valve fully.
17-34
(Pa.t of tooll11 N.m11.1 kgt m, 8 lbf.ftl
PRESSURECONTROL VALVE
SHUT.OFFVALVE
PUMP OUTLETFITTING
6 x 1.0 mm BOLTlPart of tool)11 N.m11.1 kgf m, 8 lbtftl
7.
Start the engine and let it idle.
Turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several
times to warm the fluid to operating temperature.
Measure steady-state fluid pressure while idling. If
the pump is in good condition, the gauge should
read less than 1500 kPa (15 kgf/cmr, 213 psi).
lf it reads high, check the outlet line or valve body
unit (see General Troubleshooting 17-22).
Close the pressure control valve, then close the
shut-off valve gradually until the pressure gauge
needle is stable. Read the oressure.
lmmediately open the pressure control valve fully.
GAUTION: Do not keep lhe prossure control valve
clos€d more then 5 soconds or the pump could be
damagod by over-heating.
lf the pump is in good condition, the gauge should
read at least 6,400 - 7,400 kPa (65 - 75 kgflcm,, 920 -
1,070 psi). A low reading means pump output is too
low for full assist. Repair or replace the pump,
9.
P/S PBESSURE GAUGE07{16 -@1@OA
oi
SI{UT.OFF VALVE

)
1?
12, Install the steering joint cover with the clamps and a
clrp.
Reconnect the tie-rod ends to the steering knuckles,
tighten the castle nut ('96 -'97 models) or nut ('98 -
'OO models) to the specified torque, and install new
cotter plns.
NOTE: Before connecting the tie-rod ends, wipe off
any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered
section and threads.
CAUTION: Torquo the castle nut to the lower torque
sp€cification, then tighten it only tar enough to align
the slot with the pin hole. Do not align the nut by
loosening {,96 -'97 models only).
COTTER PINSReplace.On reassembly, bend
the cotter Pin 6s shown.'96 -'97 models:'98 -'00 mod€ls:
tr
CASTLE NUT40 - a8 N'm(4.0 - 4.8 kgf'm,29 - 35 lbf.ftl
NUT&l N.m{a.5 kgf'm, 33 lbl'ftl
NE-ROD END
(l-,
17-67
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Install the exhaust pipe A or TWC (see section 9).
Connect the shift linkage (see section 13 or section
14).
lnstall the front wheels
Fill the system with power steering fluid, and bleed
air from the system (see page 17-331
After installation, perform the following checks
. Start the engine, allow it to idle, and turn the
steering wheel from lock-tolock several times to
warm up the fluid. Check the gearbox for leaks
(see page 17-39).
. Adjust the front toe (see section 18).
. Check the steering wheel spoke angle. Adjust by
turning the right and left tie-rods, if necessary.
NOTE: Turn the right and left tie-rods equallv

Brake Booster InsPection
FunctionalTest
1. With the engine stopped, depress the brake pedal
several times to deplete the vacuum reservoir, then
depress the pedal hard and hold it for 15 seconds lf
the pedal sinks' either the master cYlinder is
bypassing internally, or the brake system (master
cylinder. lines. modulator, proportioning control
valve, or caliPer) is ieaking.
2. Start the engine with the pedal depressed lf the
pedal sinks slightly, the vacuum booster is operating
normally. lf the pedal height does not vary, the
booster or check valve is faultY.
3. With the engine running. depress the brake pedal
lightly. Apply just enough pressure to hold back
automatic transmission creep. lf the brake pedal
sinks more than 25 mm (1.0 in.) in three minutes,
the master cvlinder is faulty. A slight change in
pedal height when the A'lC compressor cycles on
and off if normal. (The A/C compressor load
changes the vacuum available to the booster')
Leak Test
1. Depress the brake pedal with the engine running.
then stop the engine. lf the pedal height does not
vary while depressed for 30 seconds, the vacuum
booster is OK. lf the pedal rises. the booster is
faulty.
2, With the engine stopped, depress the brake pedal
several times using normal pressure When the
Dedal is first depressed, it should be low On con-
secutive applications, the pedal height should grad-
uallv rise. lf the pedal position does not vary, checK
the booster check valve.
l./
19-23
Booster Check Valve Test
1. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose at the
booster.
2. Stan the engine and let it idle. There should be vac-
uum. lf no vacuum is available, the check valve is
not working properly. Replace the brake booster
vacuum hose and check valve, and retest.
BRAKE BOOSTERVACUUM HOSE(Check valve
built-in)

A/G GomPressor Belt
Adjustment
Detlection Method
'1. Apply a force of 98 N (10 kgf, 22 lbf), and measure
the deflection between the A,/C compressor and the
crankshaft PulleY
A/C ComPressor Belt
Used Belt: 816A2 engine
6.0 - 9.5 mm 10 2'l - 0.37 inl
Except 816A2 engine
7.5 - 9.5 mm (0.30 - 0.37 in)
New Belt: 816A2 engine
4.5- 6 5 mm (0.18-0.26 in)
Except 815A2 engine
5.0-5 5 mm (0.20-0.26 inl
Note these items when adjusting belt tens'on:
. lf there are cracks or any damage evident on the
belt, replace it with a new one.
. "Used belt" means a belt which has been used
for five minutes or more.
. "New belt" means a belt which has been used
tor less than five minutes.
2. Loosen, the center nut ofthe idler pulley (SANDEN), or
the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock
nut ofthe adjusting bolt (DENSO).
3. Turn the adjusting bolt to get proper belt tension'
4. Retighten the center nut of the idler pulley (SANDEN),
or the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock
nut of the adjusting bolt (DENSO).
5. Recheck the deflection of the A,/C compressor belt'
Tension Gauge Method
1. Attach the special tool to the IVC compressor belt as
shown below, and measure the tension of the belt
A/C Compressor Belt
Used Belt: 816A2 engine
390 - 540 N (40 - 55 kgf, 88 - 120 lbll
Except 816A2 engine
340 - 490 N (35 - 50 ksf, 77 - 110 lbfl
New Belt: B16A2 engine
?40 - 880 N {75 - 90 ksf' 170 - 200 lbf)
Except Bl642 engine
690 - 830 N (70 - 85 ksf, 150 - 190 lbf)
Note these items when adjusting belt tension:
. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the
belt tension gauge.
. lf there are cracks or any damage evident on the
belt, rePlace it with a new one.
. "Used belt" means a belt which has been used
for five minutes or more.
. "New belt" means a belt which has been used
for less than five minutes
2 Loosen the center nut of the idler pulley (SANDEN)' or
the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock
nut of the adjusting bolt (DENSO).
3. Turn the adjusting bolt to get proper belt tension
4. Retighten the center nut of the idler pulley (SANDEN),
or the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock
nut of the adjusting bolt (DENSO)
5. Recheck the tension of the A/C compressor belt'
22-43